President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Japan for Brazil, where he is expected to begin a state visit on Sunday, August 24, as part of his ongoing diplomatic tour aimed at boosting Nigeria’s international partnerships.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President left Yokohama, Japan on Thursday night and will make a stopover in Los Angeles, United States, before continuing his journey to Brasília, the capital of Brazil.
The trip to Brazil marks the second leg of President Tinubu’s two-nation tour, which began with his departure from Abuja on August 15. He had earlier stopped briefly in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before arriving in Yokohama on August 18.
While in Japan, the President attended the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). He participated in the opening and plenary sessions held on Tuesday, August 20, alongside other African leaders, Japanese officials, and global development partners.
During the conference, President Tinubu used the opportunity to highlight his administration’s economic reform agenda. He called for stronger investment from Japan in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy, stating that Nigeria is open for business and ready to partner with serious investors.
He also held bilateral meetings with top Japanese government officials, business leaders, and investors, where discussions focused on economic cooperation, trade expansion, and support for Nigeria’s energy transition goals.
The President rounded off his stay in Japan with an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Yokohama on Thursday night. He praised their hard work and contributions to national development, urging them to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria in their host country.
“You are part of the strength of our country,” Tinubu told the diaspora community. “We want you to continue making Nigeria proud and also look for ways to invest in your home country.”
In Brazil, President Tinubu is expected to hold talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other top government officials. Discussions will centre on strengthening cooperation in agriculture, energy, and rregional security, which are seen as priority areas for both countries.
Brazil, the largest country in South America, shares historical ties with Nigeria due to its large Afro-Brazilian population. Analysts believe the visit could help revive cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations.
According to the presidency, Tinubu’s visit to Brazil will also include a meeting with the Nigerian community, where he will brief them on key government policies and encourage them to take part in efforts to grow the country’s economy.
The trip is expected to further Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, especially in the areas of economic diplomacy and South-South cooperation.
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on several international trips aimed at attracting foreign investment and strengthening Nigeria’s global presence.
His recent travels include visits to France, Kenya, India, Saudi Arabia, and now Japan and Brazil. These visits have often included engagements with world leaders, investors, and Nigerian diaspora groups.
The Tinubu administration has continued to emphasise the importance of international partnerships in achieving its economic reform goals, especially in light of ongoing efforts to stabilise the naira, tackle inflation, and create jobs.
Officials close to the presidency say the current tour is part of a broader strategy to open new markets and secure development support for key sectors like agriculture, energy, technology, and manufacturing.
Japan and Brazil are among a growing list of countries looking to strengthen ties with Africa’s largest economy.
During TICAD9 in Japan, several African leaders, including President Tinubu, discussed the need for greater global investment in Africa’s infrastructure and human capital. Japan pledged more support to African nations in terms of technology transfer and renewable energy development.
Similarly, Brazil is looking to deepen its ties with Africa, and Nigeria, with its population and resources, is a natural partner. This state visit is expected to explore those possibilities.
After completing his official engagements in Brazil, President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria, where attention will shift back to ongoing economic reforms and domestic policies.
Observers say the outcomes of his meetings in Japan and Brazil could lead to increased foreign investments, joint projects, and stronger bilateral ties that benefit Nigeria in the long term.
