Nigeria and Brazil have officially launched the commercial phase of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project, a landmark initiative designed to enhance agricultural productivity and private sector investment in Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, the agreement was signed on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marking a significant step in the bilateral agricultural partnership between the two nations.
The Green Imperative Project, regarded as Africa’s largest agricultural initiative focusing on sustainable, low-carbon farming, aims to establish a strong foundation for efficient and competitive food production in Nigeria. The project is expected to improve food security, drive economic growth, and attract investors.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who presided over the signing ceremony, highlighted the initiative’s importance in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing agricultural challenges.
“We have struggled with low agricultural productivity for decades. While Nigerians have an entrepreneurial spirit, many lack the resources to step onto the first ladder of development,” Shettima stated. “This project aligns seamlessly with the administration’s policies, ensuring small-scale farmers are integrated into the agricultural value chain.”
The first phase of the Green Imperative Project was initially agreed upon in 2018. However, in late 2024, during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Brazil, additional agreements were signed, including the $4.3 billion second phase of the Green Imperative Project and a $2.5 billion investment by Brazilian agribusiness giant JBS.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, emphasized the long-term commitment of his country to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
“This initiative has been years in the making. Over the past seven years, we have worked to secure financing from private and regional development banks for this ambitious project,” Garcete said. “The Green Imperative will enable Nigeria to import agricultural machinery, such as tractors and spare parts, while ensuring assembly and repairs are done locally, creating jobs for Nigerians.”
Garcete further revealed that Brazil plans to invest approximately $8 billion in Nigeria, focusing on agriculture, livestock, and job creation. He stressed that the partnership is based on sustainable business rather than financial aid.
“We are not here to donate or simply sell—we are here to be partners with Nigeria,” he added.
The initiative has received backing from key government officials, including the Ministers of Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Justice. Several state governors, including Jigawa’s Umar Namadi and Benue’s Hyacinth Alia, expressed their enthusiasm for the project.
Governor Alia, whose state is known as Nigeria’s “food basket,” pledged full support for the initiative.
“Benue State is the happiest among all subnationals to witness this moment because we do not just hold the basket—we provide the food and surplus for the nation,” he remarked.
Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, is expected to visit Nigeria in June, accompanied by a delegation of business leaders. The visit aims to further strengthen bilateral economic ties and explore new investment opportunities beyond agriculture.
The Green Imperative Project stands as a key component of President Tinubu’s economic agenda, aimed at tackling food insecurity and ensuring policy continuity in agriculture. Vice President Shettima acknowledged the late start in implementing the initiative but expressed optimism about its impact.
“Yes, we are starting seven years behind, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” he said. “2025 will be a milestone year for us as we push toward food security and economic diversification.”
