News
Nigeria and Brazil Partner to Modernize Agriculture with $4.3 Billion in Investment
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) of Brazil, has taken a significant step toward boosting private sector participation in agriculture by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement focuses on advancing fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural finance, aiming to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The MoU was formalized at the headquarters of FGV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), represented Nigeria, while Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, President of FGV, signed on behalf of the Brazilian institution.
This agreement builds on the existing Green Imperative Project (GIP), a $1.2 billion initiative that serves as one of the largest international agricultural technology transfer projects between the two nations.
Established in 2018, the Green Imperative Project seeks to leverage Brazil’s expertise in tropical agriculture to modernize and transform Nigeria’s farming landscape.
The project is a cooperative effort aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving food security, and promoting sustainable farming practices across Nigeria.
Supported by Deutsche Bank, the initiative is designed to deliver advanced agricultural technologies and facilitate knowledge transfer over the course of a decade.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Fashedemi highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration offers Brazil an opportunity to engage with Nigeria’s vibrant agricultural sector.
Together with FGV, we aim to unlock private sector investments in critical areas essential to achieving food security and economic development.”
The MoU is projected to attract $4.3 billion in private sector investments across fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural financing.
These investments are expected to not only boost Nigeria’s agricultural output but also create jobs, reduce dependence on imported food, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers nationwide.
One of the key features of the Green Imperative Project is its plan to identify and support one agribusiness in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas over the next five years.
These agribusinesses will receive technical and financial resources to drive sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth in their respective regions.
By empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs, the project aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit the broader agricultural ecosystem.
Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing FGV’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture.
He noted that Brazil’s extensive experience in tropical agriculture would serve as a valuable resource for Nigeria as it seeks to modernize its farming practices.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from Nigeria’s presidency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and leadership from FGV.
News
‘He Was a Giant’ — President Tinubu Mourns Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to late Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs, recalling his contributions to the creative industry and his impact on Nigeria’s cultural identity.
In his tribute, Tinubu described Jacobs as a giant of the Nigerian creative industry and said “He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts. His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn.
“The nation recognises the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity.”
News
Deji Adeyanju Demands Action From Tinubu Over Counterfeit Products
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency over the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard drugs and consumer products in Nigeria.
Adeyanju also called for the removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, as well as the heads of other regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
“Nigerians are being exposed to dangerous products daily, from fake and substandard medicines to unsafe consumer goods, with reports of drugs being sold wholesale in the open under the hot sun. No responsible government should expose its citizens to such risks and expect mortality rates not to rise.”
Adeyanju also called out NAFDAC over what he described as failures in regulating the circulation of counterfeit and substandard products in the country.
It can be noted that various counterfeit products continue to circulate in Nigerian markets, while NAFDAC has also reported seizures and destruction of counterfeit, expired and substandard products.
News
‘Two Hours on the Road’ — Lagosians Groan Over Kara Bridge Traffic
Lagosians have lamented heavy traffic caused by ongoing construction work at Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Federal Government announced that repairs on the damaged expansion joints at Kara Bridge would begin on September 8, 2026. The project, initially scheduled to begin in August, was delayed to allow further traffic management planning due to concerns over its impact on motorists.
Since work began, traffic around the Kara area has become heavy, with Lagosians sharing updates on social media about spending two hours or more on the road.
Some commuters say the delays have made their 9-to-5 routines difficult, with several hours spent travelling to and from work.
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