President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who won awards at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), saying their success shows that Nigeria’s creative industry continues to gain global recognition.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the President praised the winners for making the country proud on the continental stage.
“I warmly congratulate our outstanding Nigerian artistes for their remarkable achievements at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards. Your success on this great continental stage is a proud moment for our nation and a strong reflection of the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry,” Tinubu said.
The President added that the artistes did more than win trophies, stressing that, “You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond.”
Nigerian artistes dominated the awards ceremony, which held from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos, the official host city designated by the African Union Commission. Rema won Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African RnB and Soul. Burna Boy clinched Album of the Year. Shallipopi won Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno emerged Best African Hip-Hop, Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste, Yemi Alade secured Best Soundtrack, while Chella won African Fans’ Favourite. Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye received the AFRIMA Legendary Award.
Tinubu said the achievements of the artistes reflected years of consistency and hard work, adding that Nigerian music has become “a strong voice for the country across Africa and beyond.” He noted that platforms such as AFRIMA continue to create opportunities for African talents to shine globally.
He also commended Lagos State for hosting the event, describing the state as Africa’s creative capital. “I commend Lagos State for once again proving its capacity as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital. I congratulate the Lagos State Government and His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the excellent hosting of Africa’s global music awards and for providing a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for delegates, artistes and guests from across the continent,” he said.
The President further assured that his administration would continue to support the creative industry, saying it has the potential to drive economic growth and job creation. “Culture is the soul of a people, and music remains one of Africa’s strongest voices. I remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that promote our culture and empower our creative talents. Our government is fully committed to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the creative economy,” Tinubu added.
AFRIMA, founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, is regarded as Africa’s biggest music awards platform. The 9th edition recorded participation from more than 1,216 artistes, delegates and stakeholders from at least 48 African countries.
Activities for the 2026 edition began on January 7 with a Welcome Soiree at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre. Events continued with the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, which attracted over 20,000 fans and featured performances from more than 25 top artistes, before ending with a sold-out grand finale where winners received the 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy. (Guardian)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consented to the renaming of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Azare, in honour of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, to preserve his legacy and lifelong service to faith and education.
The decision was announced on Saturday during the President’s condolence visit to the family of the cleric in Bauchi State, where he described the passing of the revered Tijjaniyya leader as a great loss to the nation.
Tinubu arrived in Bauchi at about 4:10 p.m. through the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport and was received with a Guard of Honour by the Nigerian Air Force.
He was accompanied by several top officials, including Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, his son Seyi Tinubu, and other members of the federal delegation.
At the airport, the President was welcomed by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Senator Shehu Buba, among others.
Addressing mourners at the late scholar’s mosque, Tinubu said the renaming of the institution was in recognition of Sheikh Dahiru’s enduring contributions to religious scholarship, education, humility and service to humanity. He offered prayers for Allah’s mercy upon the cleric and asked that he be granted Jannatul Firdaus, while also seeking strength for his family and the people of Bauchi State.
The President urged Nigerians to remain united and continue praying for peace across the country, stressing the need for collective resilience in difficult times.
Governor Bala Mohammed thanked Tinubu for the honour bestowed on the late cleric and the state, noting that the decision to rename the university reflected the depth of the scholar’s impact on society.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the eldest son of the late cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, expressed gratitude to the President for the visit, prayers and the move to immortalise their father. (TVC)
Nigeria has placed Guinea-Bissau’s opposition presidential candidate, Mr. Fernando Costa, under its protection following reports that his life is under threat.
Mr. Costa, the main challenger to President Umaro Embalo in the November 23 election, faced danger after soldiers seized power, halted the vote count, and imposed a nationwide curfew before the official results could be announced.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Mr. Costa’s protection inside the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau. The decision was formalized in a letter dated November 30, signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Omar Alieu Touray.
According to the letter, Nigeria’s action is a proactive measure to safeguard democracy and ensure the safety of political actors in Guinea-Bissau. It also urged ECOWAS to direct its Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide additional security for Mr. Costa while he remains at the embassy.
The letter states in part:
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security within the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa. This decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa in response to imminent threats to his life. It underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”
Nigeria’s intervention reflects its commitment to protecting democratic processes and supporting political stability in the West African region. (Vanguard)
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Kebbi State to meet with the state government and families of schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, by gunmen.
The aircraft conveying the Shettima landed at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.
He was accompanied by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, and other government officials.
The VP had departed Abuja for Kebbi on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He is expected to convey Tinubu’s message to the people of the state, as well as receive a briefing on the situation for onward communication to the President.
The attack on the Kebbi school claimed the life of the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who was reportedly killed while trying to prevent the bandits from taking the girls away.
The police said on Monday that a combined tactical team were deployed to comb the forest in a bid to rescue the girls.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and commiserated with the families of those affected.
He also postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg in South Africa and Luanda, Angola, to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders and the 7th AU-EU Summit, respectively. (Channels)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted presidential pardon to 175 persons, including Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Macaulay and former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (rtd), following the approval of the National Council of State at its meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
The decision, taken at the instance of the President’s recommendation based on the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, was presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The Council also ratified key national appointments and approved the conferment of national honours on 959 Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.
A source at the meeting confirmed that the late nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, and the executed poet-soldier, Mamman Vatsa, were among the major beneficiaries of the clemency.
Members of the Ogoni Nine were also said to be listed among those pardoned.
Macaulay, often hailed as the “father of Nigerian nationalism,” was twice convicted by colonial authorities — first in 1913 for alleged misappropriation of estate funds, and in 1928 in connection with the “Gunpowder Plot” following his Lagos Daily News publication during the Eleko agitation. Both convictions have long been subjects of historical controversy.
Vatsa, who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and was a member of the Supreme Military Council under General Ibrahim Babangida, was executed on March 5, 1986, after a secret tribunal convicted him of treason in connection with an alleged coup attempt.
His trial and execution have remained deeply controversial, with repeated public calls for a posthumous pardon.
Briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, after the Council of State and Police Council meetings, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the approvals underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to justice reform and humane governance.
“Eighty-two of the inmates were granted full presidential pardon, sixty-five had their sentences reduced, while seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment,” he disclosed.
According to him, the gesture is aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and promoting restorative justice, in line with Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, or commute sentences.
He said the exercise followed careful recommendations of the Advisory Committee, which considers factors such as age, health, good behaviour, or miscarriage of justice.
Governor Sani also revealed that the Council ratified several key appointments presented by President Tinubu, including Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Dr. Aminu Yusuf as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).
The Council also approved Alhaji Tonge Betara Bularafa as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State at the NPC.
Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), described Amupitan’s appointment as “a constitutional responsibility diligently discharged by the President,” adding that the nominee was “a serious-minded scholar, a man of integrity, tested and trusted, who has never participated in partisan politics.”
In another major decision, the Council approved President Tinubu’s request to confer national honours on 959 eminent individuals for the 2024–2025 cycle.
Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, who briefed journalists on the development, said the awards included 824 successful applications and 135 special recognitions.
She explained that the reconstituted National Honours Award Committee, chaired by the Emirates of Lafia, Justice Mohammed Sidi Bage, had screened over 5,000 applications before submitting its final recommendations.
Among those honoured or set to be honoured are Bill Gates for contributions to public health and humanitarian causes, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, veteran journalist and publisher, and Professor Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past INEC Chairman, for service to Nigeria’s democratic process.
Posthumous honours also went to the Ogoni Nine and the Ogoni Four for their environmental activism and sacrifice, while the Super Falcons and D’Tigresses received national recognition for their excellence in sports.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, also disclosed that he presented proposals to the Police Council for strengthening the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).
He sought approval to repeal and reenact the NPTF Establishment Act 2025 to remove its six-year lifespan limitation and make it a permanent agency.
He further proposed an increase in the statutory deduction from the Federation Account from 0.5 percent to 2 percent, aimed at expanding funding for police training, welfare, logistics, technology, and emergency response systems.
The Minister said Council approved an increment to 1 percent of the deduction from the Federation Account.
According to him, all the proposals, including the repeal and reenactment of the NPTF Act, received the Council’s full approval.
“The purpose of establishing the Nigerian Police Trust Fund was to support training and retraining of police personnel. The second one is to provide financial resources to enhance police equipment, logistics, and infrastructure.
“It was established also to support modernization of the police through investments in technology, vehicles, communications, and crime fighting tools, improve welfare and morale of police personnel, promote accountability, transparency, and governance, also to enhance crime prevention and public safety, strengthen capacity for emergency response and disaster management, fund ongoing training, specialized courses, and skill development, foster public-sector and private sector engagement, channel contributions through individuals, corporations, and civil society into police enhancement programs.
“The concerns we had in the Police Trust Fund, the sunset close of six years in the current act limits the lifespan of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, and impedes long-term planning thereby constraining sustainable police reform.
“The deduction of 0.5 percent from the federation account needs to be reviewed upward to two percent of the federation account.
“So we also prayed that the council should approve the repeal and the reenactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund Establishment Act 2025 in order to remove the sunset close and transition it into an agency.
“Second, the council to approve 2 percent deduction from the Federation Account. And the last one, direct the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to input all the approvals of the council in the proposed executive bill. All these prayers have been approved without any omission”, he said.
Both meetings, which were chaired by President Tinubu, had high-level attendance.
The Council of State meeting was attended virtually by former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; state governors, and other statutory members of the Council.
Also in attendance were four former Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJN), including Alfa Belgore, Mahmud Mohammed, Walter Onnogen, and Oluwakayode Ariwoola. (Nation)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wednesday, urged Nigerians to stop speaking negatively about the country, declaring that Nigeria is a nation of proud, confident, and dedicated people destined for success.
Speaking at the reopening of the renovated National Theatre, now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, which coincided with the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Tinubu said the landmark’s revival was proof that the country could overcome setbacks and achieve greatness.
“Let’s believe in Nigeria, let’s put this country first. If you have a bad dream, forget it—Nigeria will succeed,” the President told the gathering, adding: “This is the giant of Africa; it won’t fall, it won’t disintegrate in my hands.”
Tinubu said the theatre’s rebirth must create jobs and expand opportunities in the creative economy. He directed CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and the Bankers’ Committee to set up an endowment fund, pledging his own contribution.
“The worst is over; we have turned the corner. With proper management, prosperity will come,” he assured.
Speaking at the event, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the transformation of the National Arts Theatre into the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youths, Nigeria’s stories and rightful place on the global cultural stage.
The CBN Governor explained that the ₦68 billion funding from the Bankers’ Committee was not corporate social responsibility but a deliberate stake in the creative economy.
“This is more than a building; it is an investment in our youths, in our stories, and in Nigeria’s rightful place on the global stage,” he said.
He recalled the Theatre’s FESTAC ’77 legacy, years of neglect, and its revival into a modern hub with world-class performance halls, cinemas, galleries, and upgraded facilities.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State, and cultural partners, urging that the Centre remain a beacon of creativity and national pride.
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has applauded the Bankers’ Committee for championing the transformation of the National Arts Theatre, describing it as a landmark rebirth of Nigeria’s cultural pride.
Soyinka said he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, warning against the indiscriminate naming of monuments after leaders. He recalled challenging a past ruler for dedicating a public space to “a brutal dictator.”
The playwright lamented the neglect of Africa’s theatre pioneers but praised those who turned the once-derelict complex into a world-class hub. With humour, he recalled how poor design once “nearly electrocuted actors” during performances.
Soyinka thanked President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State, and the Bankers’ Committee, urging that the revived theatre remain a stage for African creativity, unity, and global cultural expression.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hailed the restoration of the National Arts Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts, as a landmark in Nigeria’s cultural revival.
Sanwo-Olu said the theatre, once host to FESTAC ’77 but later abandoned, has been restored through federal, state, and private collaboration. He described it as a foundation for future creative possibilities and a global hub for culture.
The renaming honours Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, while Sanwo-Olu praised Tinubu’s support, calling the edifice a beacon of unity, pride, and Nigeria’s artistic rebirth. (Vanguard)
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and
12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In the statement on Tuesday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and
12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In the statement on Tuesday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address. (Punch)
The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the parade earlier scheduled to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary on October 1.
This was announced in a statement on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen.
According to the statement, the Federal Government apologised for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation.
“The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm,” the statement reads.
“Accordingly, all other programmes slated for the Independence Anniversary will remain in effect.
“The Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in making Nigeria a greater nation.”
Independence Anniversary parade is one of the activities lined up for the celebration tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”
This comes after the government declared Wednesday as public holiday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. (Channels)
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, officially confirming him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The presentation took place at exactly 3:05 p.m. on Friday during a colourful and historic coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The coronation, held at Mapo Hall, was attended by notable dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, further highlighting the cultural and political importance of the event.
Makinde’s formal presentation of the staff and certificate of office marks the final step in legitimising Ladoja’s ascension to the throne, symbolising both tradition and continuity in Ibadan’s monarchy.
This coronation is especially notable as it brings a former state governor into a revered royal role, merging political experience with traditional leadership at a time when community influence and governance are increasingly intertwined.
Makinde, while speaking, said, “This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of people, and in the presence of God.
“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the Governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1st.
“This is in confirmation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I am so present.” (Punch)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja around 1:20am on Thursday after concluding a three-day state visit to Brazil that yielded a raft of bilateral agreements and high-level engagements aimed at deepening Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic ties with South America’s largest economy.
The President, who arrived aboard the presidential jet, was received at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by a high-powered delegation of political leaders and senior government officials.
Among those present were Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Hope Uzodinma (Imo) and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).
Also on hand to welcome the President were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and some Ministers, including Nyesom Wike (FCT); Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning) and Bello Matawalle (Defence, State).
President Tinubu’s visit to Brazil was marked by the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering aviation, trade, science, diplomacy, and finance.
At a joint press conference in Brasília, he welcomed the imminent return of Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil giant, to Nigeria—five years after it halted its joint ventures.
“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. I appreciate President Lula’s promise that this will be done,” he said.
The agreements also included a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, paving the way for direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, to be operated by Air Peace.
Other MoUs targeted political consultations, scientific collaboration, and agricultural financing through Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture and Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development.
Beyond the MoUs, President Tinubu underscored his administration’s economic reforms, assuring Brazilian investors of a stable, transparent financial climate.
He cited Nigeria’s capital market growth as evidence of renewed investor confidence and pledged continued reforms to “unlock capital, protect investors, and drive innovation.”
In a meeting with Nigerians in Brazil, Tinubu called on the diaspora to contribute actively to nation-building, pledging technology-driven development and food security as the pillars of a prosperous future.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he told the gathering.
The visit, which featured red-carpet honours, bilateral meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and cultural engagements, signalled what both leaders described as a new era in Nigeria–Brazil relations.
Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil was preceded by his participation at the recently concluded ninth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). (Nation)
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