By Muhammad Mamman
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared Monday that corruption “no longer exists” in Africa’s largest economy, crediting sweeping reforms under his administration for ushering in what he called a new era of transparency and accountability.
Tinubu made the bold claim in Brasília during a two-day state visit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The visit saw both nations sign five new agreements aimed at deepening bilateral ties across aviation, trade, agriculture, science, and diplomacy.
“The reforms I embarked upon since I assumed office have been impactful. Though painful at the beginning, the results are now blossoming,” Tinubu said. “We have more resources for the economy, and there is no more corruption. The Central Bank of Nigeria has been repositioned, and access to foreign exchange is transparent. Speculators are out, and our currency market is now open for businesses.”
President Lula hailed the renewed partnership as crucial at a time of rising global economic nationalism. “At a time when protectionism and unilateralism have returned, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their bet on free trade and productive integration,” Lula said. “We continue to dedicate ourselves to building a world of peace, free from hegemonic impositions.”
The agreements were signed by senior Nigerian officials including Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Innovation and Technology Minister Geoffrey Nnaji, and Bank of Agriculture head Ayo Sotinrin, alongside their Brazilian counterparts.
Trade between Nigeria and Brazil reached $2.1 billion in 2024, with Nigeria ranked as Brazil’s 49th largest export destination.
The visit concluded with a state luncheon in Tinubu’s honor at the Itamaraty Palace, underscoring what both leaders described as a reset in Nigeria–Brazil relations.
