Tinubu Congratulates Lula on Re-election, Seeks Stronger Nigeria-Brazil Ties

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.

Tinubu, in a congratulatory message dated October 26, 2026, described Lula as his friend and said the Brazilian leader’s renewed mandate offered an opportunity to deepen the longstanding friendship and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

The Nigerian President said both countries, as leading nations of the Global South, could work together to promote economic integration and advance their common interests amid changes in the global political and economic order.

He identified trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation and cultural exchange as key areas in which Nigeria and Brazil could expand cooperation.

“I congratulate my friend, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on his re-election for a record fourth term,” Tinubu said.

He added that the renewed mandate presented an opportunity for both countries to build on their existing relationship and pursue mutually beneficial partnerships across several sectors.

Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities in Africa, South America and the wider Global South.

According to him, closer collaboration between the two countries could help advance their respective national interests while creating opportunities for economic development and stronger international partnerships.

The President expressed optimism about the prospects of Nigeria-Brazil relations under Lula’s renewed leadership, particularly in areas capable of boosting trade, investment, industrial development and food production.

He concluded his message by wishing the Brazilian leader a successful new term in office on behalf of the Nigerian people.

The congratulatory message was signed by Tinubu in Abuja on October 26, 2026.

Nigeria and Brazil have longstanding historical and cultural connections, reinforced by links between their peoples and shared interests in agricultural development, energy, commerce and South-South cooperation.

Both countries are influential within their respective regions and have opportunities to deepen economic engagement through increased trade, investment, technology transfer and cooperation in international institutions.

Tinubu’s message signals Nigeria’s interest in using these existing ties to build a stronger strategic partnership with Brazil, with a focus on practical economic cooperation and shared priorities across the Global South.