Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that a common heritage and shared purpose unite Nigeria and Brazil, as he officially opened the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday.
Welcoming Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and his high-powered delegation to Nigeria, Shettima described the partnership between the two nations as a model for South-South cooperation, grounded in mutual respect and pragmatic ambition.
“With the largest Afro-Brazilian population in the world after Nigeria, Brazil is more than a distant ally; we are cultural siblings,” Shettima said. “What binds us together far outweighs anything that could divide us.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s emerging demographic influence on the global stage, noting its current population of over 230 million and projections to become the third most populous country by 2050, and the most populous by the end of the century.
“Our strategic trajectory, especially in global health and human development, is increasingly African,” Shettima noted. “Nigeria stands ready to help shape that future with partners like Brazil.”
The Vice President emphasised that the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue is not a ceremonial gathering but a working platform built to drive implementation, collaboration, and tangible progress across key sectors.
“Today’s dialogue is built not just on diplomacy, but on structure. Our working groups are not mere task teams; they are the custodians of implementation,” he stated.
“They must convert ministerial intent into deliverable frameworks with clear timelines and shared accountability.”
Shettima called on all participants, including government officials, ministers, and technical teams, to approach the dialogue with discipline, purpose, and a readiness to coordinate across various sectors, such as agriculture, health, trade, defence, education, and energy.
“As we move forward, let us listen first, ask the right questions, and build the habits of coordination that this strategic partnership requires,” he urged.
He commended Brazil’s progressive stance on global development and inclusive cooperation. “While parts of the world retreat into isolation, Brazil continues to lead with creativity and openness,” he said.
