President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
President Bola Tinubu has called for deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil, identifying trade, investment, agriculture, energy and technology as priority areas for expanding bilateral relations.
Tinubu made the call yesterday while congratulating the Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on his re-election, describing the renewed mandate as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship and historical ties between the two countries.
In a congratulatory message dated October 26, 2026, the Nigerian leader said both countries, as leading nations of the Global South, had a shared responsibility to advance economic integration and protect their common interests amid a rapidly changing global order.
“I congratulate my friend, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on his re-election for a record fourth term,” Tinubu said.
He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to expand collaboration with Brazil across strategic sectors, including manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation and cultural exchange, alongside trade, investment, agriculture, food security, energy, oil and gas.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation with Brazil and advancing shared priorities across Africa, South America and the wider Global South.
Tinubu, who conveyed his message on behalf of the Nigerian people, wished Lula a successful new term, expressing optimism that his renewed mandate would provide fresh impetus for closer relations between the two countries.
The proposed areas of cooperation reflect the potential for Nigeria and Brazil to deepen economic ties, leverage their respective strengths and expand opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships across the Atlantic.
Meanwhile, Silva’s rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, has refused to accept his victory, saying he will seek the annulment of the election.
Bolsonaro, who had requested an extension in some regions due to heavy rains, described the decision as “unacceptable” and a “dirty trick.”
“It is impossible to recognise the results. I am going to request the annulment of these elections,” he said, stone-faced, in a brief speech in Brasilia.
No candidate who lost the first round has gone on to win the second in Brazil since 1989, the first direct election after the end of the country’s military dictatorship.
Silva headed into a fourth term with almost half of the nation having rejected him, desperate for change.
He rose from poverty to become president in 2003 and was re-elected in 2006.
Silva made a dramatic return to office in the 2022 elections after a corruption scandal saw him jailed for over 18 months.
In his third term, Silva oversaw a drop in inflation and unemployment, and lifted millions out of hunger, but many voters felt gloomy about the high cost of living and crime.
