By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Brasília in the early hours of Monday for a pivotal two-day state visit, set to strengthen Nigeria’s ties with Brazil. The presidential jet, Nigerian Air Force One (NAF-001), dubbed Eagle One, touched down at Brasília International Airport at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. Nigerian time), marking the start of a high-profile diplomatic mission.
Greeted with warmth by Carlos Duarte, Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, President Tinubu was also welcomed by a distinguished Nigerian delegation, including Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Upon arrival, the President proceeded to his hotel, where he was received by key figures such as Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, and Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. The entourage also included prominent ministers, such as Wale Edun (Finance), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Defence), Jumoke Oduwole (Trade and Investment), Mohammed Idris (Information), Idi Maiha (Livestock Development), and Uche Nnaji (Innovation, Science and Technology).
President Tinubu’s packed itinerary includes a high-level meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio da Alvorada, where discussions will centre on deepening collaboration in aviation, agribusiness, livestock, security, trade, and cultural exchange with Latin America’s economic powerhouse. A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, a move set to boost connectivity and economic ties.
