Nigeria and Brazil Sign $8 Billion Green Initiative to Boost Agricultural Productivity
On March 17, 2025, Nigeria and Brazil officially launched the commercial phase of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP), a major agricultural initiative aimed at enhancing food production and attracting private-sector investment. The project, which is the largest of its kind in Africa, focuses on sustainable, low-carbon agriculture with the goal of increasing food productivity in Nigeria efficiently and competitively. The GIP, with a total investment value of $8 billion, is a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to improve its agricultural sector and achieve greater food security.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a statement during the signing ceremony in Abuja, emphasized the importance of the GIP in tackling Nigeria’s food security challenges and promoting economic growth. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader policy agenda and aims to connect small-scale farmers with agricultural value chains. The Vice President praised the project for its potential to boost investor confidence and serve as a catalyst for policy continuity under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
The Green Imperative Project, which includes several phases, was initially signed in 2018, with subsequent phases securing significant funding from Brazilian stakeholders during President Tinubu’s visit to Brazil. The initiative will also facilitate the importation of agricultural machinery, including tractors and spare parts, with assembly to be done in Nigeria. This will provide local employment and foster the development of a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and repairing the equipment, contributing to long-term sustainability.
Both Nigerian and Brazilian officials expressed strong support for the partnership, with Brazilian Ambassador Carlos Garcete acknowledging the successful completion of years of negotiations. Nigerian state governors, such as those from Jigawa and Benue, also voiced their commitment to supporting the project, noting its importance to the national economy and food security. The Green Imperative Project stands as a testament to the growing South-South cooperation between the two countries, with both eager to replicate Brazil’s agricultural successes in Nigeria.
source: business day