The Federal Government of Nigeria, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) of Brazil to advance private-sector-led development in fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural financing. The agreement was formalised at FGV Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Representing the Nigerian government, Permanent Secretary of FMAFS, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, and FGV President, Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, described the collaboration as a milestone in strengthening the Green Imperative Project (GIP). The GIP, launched in 2018, is a $1.2 billion bilateral initiative between Nigeria and Brazil aimed at modernising Nigeria’s agricultural sector through the transfer of Brazilian expertise in tropical agriculture.
The project, supported by Deutsche Bank, focuses on delivering transformative technologies and knowledge over a 10-year period. In its next phase, the GIP plans to support one agribusiness in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas within the next five years by providing both technical and financial assistance.
“This partnership paves the way for Brazil to engage with Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly growing agricultural sector,” said Mr. Fashedemi. “Together with FGV, we are poised to unlock the potential of private-sector investment in key areas critical to our food security.”
Under the MoU, private-sector initiatives are expected to generate $4.3 billion in investments, driving innovation in fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural financing. Senior officials from Nigeria’s presidency and leadership from both FMAFS and FGV were present at the signing ceremony.
This partnership highlights Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international cooperation to address food security and agricultural development challenges while leveraging Brazil’s expertise in modern agricultural technologies.