By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria and Brazil have launched the commercial phase of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP) to enhance agriculture and drive private sector investment in Nigeria.
The initiative, considered the largest agricultural project in Africa, is designed to develop sustainable, low-carbon farming systems and improve food security through mechanization and infrastructure development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the event, said that the GIP aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to food security, economic growth, and investor confidence.
He noted that Nigeria has for long struggled with low agricultural productivity and that the project will provide critical resources for farmers, allowing them to scale operations and increase efficiency.
The agreement follows years of negotiations between Nigeria and Brazil, with funding secured from private and regional development banks.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, highlighted the project’s significance, stating that it would facilitate the importation of agricultural equipment, including tractors and spare parts.
Assembling and maintenance of machinery will be carried out within Nigeria, ensuring job creation and local capacity building.
The initiative is expected to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by improving mechanization and reducing dependency on manual labor.
The initial phase of the GIP was signed in 2018, while additional agreements, including the $4.3 billion phase 2 and the $2.5 billion JBS project, were finalized during President Tinubu’s visit to Brazil last year.
The initiative represents a major step in ensuring food security while also positioning Nigeria as a hub for agricultural innovation in Africa.
In a separate development, Nigeria and Cuba have renewed their diplomatic and economic ties, with a focus on healthcare, education, and trade.
As part of the celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between both nations, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero met with Vice President Shettima in Abuja.
Shettima acknowledged Cuba’s historical role in Africa’s liberation struggles and highlighted the deep cultural and ancestral connections between the two countries.
He noted that approximately 70 percent of Cuban Africans have Nigerian ancestry, reinforcing the strong bond between both nations.
He assured the Cuban delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening collaborations, particularly in healthcare and vaccine development.
The VP also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for Cuba, emphasizing resilience and unity in overcoming global challenges.