Tinubu Returns to Abuja After 10-Day Brazil, Japan Trip

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following a three-day state visit to Brazil, where he secured new bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic partnerships.

The President’s aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 1:20 a.m. on Thursday. 

He was received by top government officials and political leaders, including governors, ministers, and principal officers of the National Assembly.

Among those present to welcome him were Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara. 

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also joined the reception team.

The state visit to Brazil saw the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between both nations, covering aviation, trade, science, finance, and diplomacy. 

One of the key highlights was the agreement paving the way for direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, to be operated by Air Peace.

President Tinubu also welcomed the planned return of Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil company, to Nigeria after five years of absence. He emphasised that Nigeria’s vast gas reserves made the partnership timely and mutually beneficial.

Before departing Brazil, the Nigerian leader addressed a gathering of citizens in the diaspora, urging them to contribute to national development. 

According to him, Nigeria’s future rests on technological growth, food security, and the collective determination of its people.

The President’s trip to Brazil was described as the beginning of a “new chapter” in relations between both countries, following his earlier participation in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan.