Petrobras return to Nigeria welcomed by President Tinubu, boosting Brazil-Nigeria energy ties and opening investment opportunities in key sectors
Petrobras return to Nigeria has sparked optimism for renewed bilateral cooperation, with President Bola Tinubu hailing the development during a state visit to Brazil on Monday.
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At a joint press conference in Brasília with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Tinubu described the imminent return of Petrobras — Brazil’s state-owned oil company — as a “turning point” for energy partnership between the two nations.
“We have the largest gas repository. So, I don’t see why Petrobras doesn’t join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible,” Tinubu stated, expressing appreciation for Lula’s assurance that Petrobras will return “as soon as possible.”
Petrobras suspended its Nigerian joint venture operations five years ago, but its comeback is now seen as a catalyst for broader cooperation in energy, technology, and manufacturing.
President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s economy offers untapped potential for Brazilian businesses.
“Our economic space remains a virgin land, full of opportunities for Brazilian companies,” Tinubu said, urging both countries to shift from symbolic friendship to meaningful, strategic collaboration.
President Tinubu also lauded the efforts of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, which is working to establish a West African service hub in Nigeria for aircraft maintenance and repairs.
He highlighted Brazil’s progress in pharmaceutical manufacturing, urging similar efforts to be replicated in Nigeria.
“I don’t know why the manufacturing of generic drugs, which Brazil has done deeply and far, cannot be in Nigeria,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for knowledge-sharing and sovereignty.
Tinubu reassured Brazilian investors of Nigeria’s improving economic landscape, citing impactful reforms, including the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.
“The reforms I’ve embarked upon since I took over have been very impactful. It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming,” he said.
“You don’t have to know the Central Bank Governor before getting forex. The speculators are out. The door is open for businesses.”
During the visit, both countries signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, diplomacy, science, aviation, and finance, reinforcing their mutual commitment to deepening cooperation.
Also read: Jubril Adewale Tinubu marks historic triumph in Nigeria’s energy sector
President Tinubu concluded his remarks by affirming that the past challenges that hindered Nigeria-Brazil relations are now behind them, setting the stage for a new era of partnership.
Source: Read more at tvcnews.tv
