Brazil’s state-owned oil giant, Petrobras, is planning to make a significant comeback to Nigeria’s oil sector, particularly eyeing frontier deepwater acreage. This move comes as part of broader efforts to revitalize bilateral cooperation ahead of the 2025 Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM).
The news was confirmed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications in the Office of the Vice President, during an interministerial review meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The meeting, which involved six ministers and the Solicitor-General of the Federation, was part of preparations for the second session of the SDM scheduled for June 2025.
Vice President Shettima emphasized the importance of strengthening Nigeria-Brazil ties, noting that the upcoming SDM presents a unique opportunity to execute sector-specific Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and unlock investment flows. He highlighted 2025 as a crucial year for global engagements with Brazil hosting significant events like the BRICS Summit, G20 Summit, and COP30, offering Nigeria a platform to project its interests globally.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar also confirmed ongoing discussions with Petrobras, mentioning that the company is engaging with the NNPCL for ethanol blending projects. He further hinted at Petrobras joining the Brazilian delegation to Nigeria, marking their re-entry into frontier deepwater projects.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, coordinating the interministerial working groups, has prepared 12 draft MOUs covering sectors such as energy, health, culture, and agriculture, pending approval from the Ministry of Justice.
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, expressed optimism in strengthening historical and cultural ties between both nations. She announced finalised MOUs with the Nigerian Film Corporation for audiovisual co-productions, and partnerships with the National Gallery of Arts and Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation ahead of the FESTAC at 50 celebrations.
Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari also revealed completed MOUs focused on research collaborations, particularly in the soybean value chain, cassava research, and agro-forestry systems. He highlighted these agreements as extensions of the Green Imperative Project (GIP), aimed at boosting Nigeria’s agricultural sector through Brazilian expertise.
Similarly, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, spoke on Brazil’s accomplishments in universal health coverage as a model for Nigeria. He cited opportunities for pharmaceutical research, local drug manufacturing, and workforce training, emphasizing that Brazil’s experience in tropical and sub-tropical diseases could be leveraged for joint research and development.
The interministerial dialogue marks a new chapter in Nigeria-Brazil relations, signaling deeper economic cooperation and revitalization of critical sectors.
