The Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has called for stronger trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Brazil. He made this statement in Abuja on September 16, 2026, during the celebration of Brazil's National Day, hosted by the Brazilian Embassy in Nigeria. Alawuba highlighted opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology, and the creative industries.
Alawuba congratulated the Brazilian government and people, noting that the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Brazil extends beyond diplomacy to shared history and cultural heritage. He recalled Brazil's representation at Nigeria's independence celebrations in 1960, describing it as a foundation of their relationship. Alawuba also highlighted the influence of Afro-Brazilian heritage in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos Aguda communities.
According to Alawuba, Nigerians and Brazilians share an entrepreneurial spirit, cultural diversity, love of music, and passion for football, providing a strong foundation for expanding commercial ties. He noted that bilateral trade in goods between Nigeria and Brazil was approximately $2.4 billion in 2025. Alawuba stressed that there is room to deepen economic exchange and unlock new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Alawuba cited the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanization Programme as an example of potential opportunities from combining Brazilian expertise and equipment with Nigerian enterprise. This collaboration aims to improve productivity, strengthen food security, and create jobs. He also highlighted UBA's pan-African reach, with presence in 20 African countries and other global locations.
UBA's presence in multiple countries positions the bank to support trade and investment between Africa and Brazil through local knowledge and financial capabilities. Alawuba appreciated the bank's relationship with the Brazilian Embassy, built on confidence, trust, and mutual respect since 2019. He reaffirmed UBA's commitment to strengthening the partnership through focused service and closer collaboration.
Alawuba commended the warmth of the Brazilian people, the richness of its culture, and the promise of its future. He expressed optimism that the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Brazil would translate into shared economic prosperity. The UBA boss emphasized the potential for growth and cooperation between the two nations.
The celebration of Brazil's National Day in Abuja brought together dignitaries and stakeholders to promote cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral ties. As Alawuba emphasized, deepening Nigeria-Brazil trade and investment ties can have a positive impact on both economies. The two countries can explore new opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit.
Key points
- Oliver Alawuba advocates for stronger trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Brazil.
- Bilateral trade in goods between Nigeria and Brazil was approximately $2.4 billion in 2025.
- The $1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanization Programme is an example of potential opportunities for collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil.
