Brazil, Nigeria Collaborate To Support Small Farmers, Promote Trade Relations

The Consul-General of Brazil, Amb. Maria Figueiredo announced on Monday that the Brazilian government is rolling out plans to share their ideology of protecting and enhancing small farmers with Nigeria.

The Ambassador who made this announcement at Business Forum in Lagos, said the initiative is meant to promote trade and improve Nigeria’s Economy.

The delegation visited Nigeria to explore the country’s market in a bid to promote trade relations between both nations.

Figueiredo emphasised the need for Nigeria to protect her small farmers to be sustainable in the long-run, for the production of food for domestic consumption.

“An official from my country’s Ministry of Agriculture will be visiting Abuja soon to share our philosophy for protecting small farmers with Nigerians,” the Consul-General said.

“In Brazil, there are laws that are made to protect small farmers. So, I feel that Nigeria should also protect such farmers.’’

Figueiredo advised the Nigerian government against protecting only big farmers whose agricultural products were always exported to the international market.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Ibru, President of the Nigerian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed on the need for synergy between Nigeria and Brazil.
Ibru said his team plans to visit Brazil in the coming months to promote trade and gain knowledge as there is a lot for Nigeria to learn from the Latin-American nation.

In attendance at the forum were Brazilian delegates, Members of the Nigeria-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Nigerian Business men and women.

Nigeria and Brazil have had a good history of trade and cultural relationship since the 18th century.

Nigeria is the second largest trade partner of Brazil in Sub-Saharan Africa. Brazil is the third largest importer of Nigeria’s crude oil after the United States and India.