Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has called for stronger trade and investment ties between Nigeria and Brazil across key sectors of the economy.
Alawuba made the call on Wednesday at the celebration of Brazil’s National Day hosted by the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Abuja.
He said both countries can deepen collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology and the creative industries.
According to him, bilateral trade in goods between Nigeria and Brazil stood at about $2.4 billion in 2025, noting that there is still huge potential to expand economic exchange and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Alawuba pointed to the $1.1 billion Green Imperative agricultural mechanisation programme as an example of what is possible when Brazilian expertise and equipment are combined with Nigerian enterprise. He said such partnership can boost productivity, improve food security and create jobs.
The UBA boss said the bank’s footprint across 20 African countries as well as the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and France positions it to support trade and investment flows between Africa and Brazil.
He said UBA will leverage its wide network, local knowledge and financial strength to back businesses seeking to trade and invest between the two markets.
Alawuba noted that Nigeria-Brazil relations go beyond diplomacy, rooted in shared history, cultural heritage and strong people-to-people ties.
He recalled that Brazil was represented at Nigeria’s independence celebrations in 1960, describing it as a cherished foundation of the bilateral relationship.
He also highlighted the enduring influence of Afro-Brazilian heritage in Nigeria, especially in the Aguda communities of Lagos where Brazilian architecture, food and culture still thrive.
According to him, the shared entrepreneurial spirit, cultural diversity, love for music and passion for football between Nigerians and Brazilians provide a solid foundation for expanding commercial ties.
Alawuba said UBA’s relationship with the Brazilian Embassy, which started in 2019, has been built on confidence, trust and mutual respect.
He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening the partnership through dedicated service and closer collaboration, while commending the warmth of the Brazilian people, the richness of their culture and the promise of the country’s future.
He expressed optimism that the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Brazil will translate into shared prosperity for both nations.
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