By Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that his recent engagements abroad are aimed at securing real opportunities for Nigerians rather than symbolic appearances.
Speaking after returning from official visits to Japan and Brazil, Tinubu declared on his X handle: “Every handshake, every agreement, and every meeting is guided by one goal: to secure opportunities that translate into growth, jobs, and prosperity for Nigerians.”
The President explained that while Japan offered new prospects in technology, industry, and human capital, Brazil provided fresh openings in trade, agriculture, aviation, and finance. He also held discussions with Nigerian business leaders, assuring them of reforms designed to rebuild confidence in the domestic economy.
A highlight of the trip was the signing of five memoranda of understanding, including a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Brazil. Tinubu described the pacts as evidence of “the new Nigeria we are building together, a Nigeria built on sustainable reforms that will outlast us rather than one built on rhetoric.”
The BASA has already sparked enthusiasm in the aviation sector. Air Peace chief executive officer, Allen Onyema, called it “a milestone achievement” of the administration.
He revealed that the airline would begin three weekly flights on the Nigeria–Brazil route in November, with future expansion to Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. “Most of his trips abroad have started paying dividends for the good of our nation,” Onyema added.
Similarly, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the deal for its potential to deepen business ties and serve Nigeria’s large diaspora community in Brazil. He recalled that Tinubu’s meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was already the fourth since 2023.
On Japan, the President said agreements worth over $1 billion annually were signed to strengthen trade, underscoring his determination to build “a Nigeria that is confident abroad and resilient at home.”
While acknowledging the difficulties ahead, Tinubu expressed optimism: “The journey is not without challenges, but with unity of purpose and courage to reform, I firmly believe the best is on the horizon.”
