Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has called for stronger trade and investment ties between Nigeria and Brazil. He made this statement during the celebration of Brazil's National Day in Abuja, hosted by the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Nigeria. Alawuba highlighted the potential for collaboration in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology, and the creative industries.
Alawuba noted that the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Brazil extends beyond diplomacy to shared history, cultural heritage, and a strong connection between their people. He recalled Brazil's representation at Nigeria's independence celebrations in 1960, describing it as a cherished foundation of the relationship between the two countries. The UBA boss also highlighted the enduring influence of Afro-Brazilian heritage in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos Aguda communities.
According to Alawuba, the shared entrepreneurial spirit, cultural diversity, love of music, and passion for football between Nigerians and Brazilians provide a strong foundation for expanding commercial ties. He stated that bilateral trade in goods between Nigeria and Brazil was approximately $2.4 billion in 2025. Alawuba stressed that there remained considerable room to deepen economic exchange and unlock new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
The UBA boss cited the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanization Programme as an example of the opportunities that could emerge from combining Brazilian expertise and equipment with Nigerian enterprise. This programme aims to improve productivity, strengthen food security, and create jobs. Alawuba also highlighted UBA's pan-African reach, with a presence in 20 African countries, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and France.
Alawuba explained that UBA's extensive network positions the bank to effectively support trade and investment between Africa and Brazil through its reach, local knowledge, and financial capabilities. He appreciated the relationship between UBA and the Embassy of Brazil, built on confidence, trust, and mutual respect since 2019. Alawuba reaffirmed the bank'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's statement reflects the bank's commitment to fostering economic growth and development in Africa and beyond.
The celebration of Brazil's National Day in Abuja provided a platform for Alawuba to reiterate the importance of strengthening ties between Nigeria and Brazil. With a shared history, cultural heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit, both countries have the potential to deepen economic exchange and unlock new opportunities for businesses. The UBA boss's advocacy for stronger trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Brazil is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- - Bilateral trade in goods between Nigeria and Brazil was approximately $2.4 billion in 2025. - The $1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanization Programme aims to improve productivity, strengthen food security, and create jobs. - UBA has a presence in 20 African countries, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and France.
