Brazil, Nigeria:Brazil’s state-owned oil company, Petrobras, is preparing to re-enter Nigeria’s energy sector with a focus on deepwater exploration, signaling renewed bilateral engagement ahead of the 2025 Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM).
The development was disclosed during an interministerial review meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The session was convened to coordinate Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming SDM, scheduled for June 2025, and to strengthen economic, cultural, and technological cooperation with Brazil.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima emphasized the strategic importance of 2025, as Brazil is set to host several major international events including the BRICS Summit, G20 Summit, and COP30.
“This year is our moment of interface with Brazil,” said the Vice President. “We have yet to fully leverage our historical relationship with Brazil, but the upcoming SDM offers an opportunity to execute targeted Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and attract new investments.”
Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that Petrobras is in active discussions to resume operations in Nigeria, following its earlier exit from the Agbami Field. He noted that the company is interested in acquiring new deepwater exploration acreage and is expected to be part of the Brazilian delegation visiting Nigeria.
Tuggar also revealed that 12 draft MOUs covering sectors such as energy, health, culture, and agriculture are currently under review by the Ministry of Justice.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, highlighted the deep cultural and ancestral links between both countries, calling for stronger collaboration in the creative sectors.
Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari reported progress on MOUs related to soybean value chain development, cassava research, and agroforestry, expanding on the ongoing Green Imperative Project—a cornerstone of Nigeria-Brazil agricultural cooperation.
The review meeting represents a key step in advancing President Tinubu’s reform agenda and Nigeria’s strategy to engage global partners for sustainable development.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ May 15,2025
