Nigeria and Brazil have officially signed the commercial phase of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP) to enhance agricultural productivity and attract private-sector investment in Nigeria, marking a major step forward after six years of planning.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for GIP 1 was first signed in 2018, while the $4.3 billion Phase II and the $2.5 billion JBS investment were later signed in Brazil during President Bola Tinubu’s visit in late 2024, bringing the total investment to $7.8 billion.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication to Vice President Kashim Shettima, titled “Six Years After, Nigeria-Brazil $1.1bn Green Imperative Project Kicks Off.”
According to Nkwocha, the Green Imperative Project is the largest agricultural initiative in Africa and is designed to foster sustainable, low-carbon agriculture. “It aims to develop structural conditions to boost food production in Nigeria efficiently and competitively,” he stated.
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Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, emphasized that the project aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to food security and economic growth.
“As this administration addresses the food security challenges we are facing and dovetails the eight-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is imperative for us to synergize and use existing initiatives such as the GIP for policy continuity, leveraging strategic opportunities to drive economic growth and enhance investor confidence,” Shettima said.
He noted that Nigeria has struggled with low agricultural productivity for decades, and the GIP presents an opportunity to empower small-scale farmers by integrating them into the agricultural value chain.
“This project is a private sector-driven initiative that targets small-scale farmers and links them with all aspects of agricultural production,” Shettima added.
Despite delays in implementation, Shettima remained optimistic about the project’s impact, stating that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. 2025, as rightly captured by the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, is a milestone year in our journey towards food security and economic diversification.”
Speaking on behalf of the Brazilian government, Ambassador Carlos Garcete emphasized Brazil’s commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
“Over the past seven years, we have been negotiating with the Nigerian government to secure necessary funds from private and regional development banks to finance this ambitious $1.1 billion project,” Garcete said.
He explained that the project would facilitate the importation of agricultural equipment such as tractors and spare parts, with local assembly and maintenance to be handled in Nigeria by trained personnel.
Garcete also highlighted Brazil’s broader investment plans for Nigeria, totaling approximately $8 billion across agriculture, livestock, and job creation. “We want to work with Nigeria as partners, not just donors or sellers,” he stressed.
The ambassador further revealed that Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, will visit Nigeria in June 2025, accompanied by a high-level delegation of CEOs and business leaders to explore additional investment opportunities.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State lauded the agreement, emphasizing its significance for the subnational economy. “Agriculture plays a crucial role in our economy, and this project will greatly enhance productivity,” he said.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, known as Nigeria’s “food basket,” expressed enthusiasm about the project, pledging full support to its success. “Benue does not just hold the basket; we provide the food and its surpluses for the nation,” he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the agreement as a model of South-South cooperation, adding that Nigeria and Brazil share a common vision for agricultural transformation.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also commended all stakeholders for their contributions to making the agreement a reality.
The Green Imperative Project is set to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, addressing food security challenges, boosting economic growth, and creating employment opportunities. With Brazil’s commitment to long-term partnerships and Nigeria’s resolve to implement impactful policies, the project is expected to drive significant improvements in the country’s agricultural landscape.
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