UBA CEO pushes for stronger Nigeria-Brazil trade, cites $2.4B 2025 bilateral trade and opportunities in agri, tech
UBA Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba urged stronger Nigeria-Brazil trade and investment relations during Brazil's National Day celebration in Abuja on September 16, 2026. He highlighted collaboration opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology and creative industries, noting bilateral trade reached approximately US$2.4 billion in 2025 with room for growth.
Alawuba pointed to the US$1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanization Programme as a concrete example of how Brazilian expertise combined with Nigerian enterprise could boost productivity, food security and job creation. He emphasized the longstanding relationship dating back to Brazil's participation in Nigeria's 1960 independence celebrations and the enduring Afro-Brazilian cultural influence in Lagos Aguda communities.
With UBA operating in 20 African countries plus the US, UK, UAE and France, Alawuba said the bank is positioned to facilitate Africa-Brazil trade through its regional reach, local knowledge and financial capabilities. He reaffirmed UBA's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Brazil's Embassy in Nigeria, which has been built on trust since 2019.
For Nigerian businesses and investors, this push signals potential new avenues for expansion, technology transfer and partnership opportunities. Which sectors stand to gain most from deeper Nigeria-Brazil ties, and how might your business position itself to benefit from increased collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tech or creative industries?