Nigeria and Brazil have formalized the commercial phase of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP), an initiative designed to boost agricultural productivity and encourage private-sector investment to enhance food security in Nigeria.
The signing took place on Monday at the presidential villa in Abuja, as stated by Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the vice-president on media and communications.
Nkwocha emphasized that this initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s wider strategy to tackle food security challenges in the country.
“GIP, the largest agricultural project in Africa that prioritises the development of sustainable, low-carbon agriculture, aims to develop structural conditions to boost food production in Nigeria in an efficient and competitive manner,” the statement reads.
The MoU for the $1.1 billion GIP 1 was initially signed in 2018, followed by agreements for the $4.3 billion phase 2 of the project and the $2.5 billion JBS, which were concluded in Brazil during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit last year, totaling an estimated $8 billion in investment.
During the ceremony, Vice-President Kashim Shettima highlighted the GIP as a “strategic initiative” that aligns with the government’s eight-point agenda, emphasizing its role in integrating small-scale farmers into the agricultural value chain.
“As this administration addresses the food security challenges we are facing and dovetails the 8-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is imperative for us to synergise and use existing initiatives such as the GIP for the purpose of policy continuity, for the purpose of utilising or leveraging on strategic opportunities to drive our economic growth and also to enhance investor confidence,” Shettima was quoted as saying.
“This GIP is a wonderful opportunity because it seamlessly aligns with all the policies and programmes of this government. It’s a private sector-driven initiative that targets the small-scale farmer and links him up with all the agricultural value chains.”
Shettima also expressed appreciation for the contributions of key government officials, including the minister of agriculture, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, the attorney-general of the federation, and the minister of foreign affairs, in bringing the project to fruition.
Brazil Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Agricultural Growth
Carlos Garcete, the Brazilian ambassador to Nigeria, reiterated Brazil’s commitment to the GIP, noting that the project would enable the importation and local assembly of agricultural equipment, such as tractors and spare parts, within Nigeria.
“Over the past seven years, there has been negotiation with the Nigerian government with a view to obtaining the necessary funds from private and regional development banks to finance this ambitious project, which is worth approximately $1.1 billion,” Garcete was quoted as saying.
“In the event of breakdown of any tractor, it will be possible to carry out any repairs here in Nigeria by the personnel who will be trained by GIP.”
Nkwocha also mentioned that Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa state, welcomed the agreement as a major step forward for agriculture in Nigeria, particularly for states that heavily depend on farming.
Similarly, Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue state, described the agreement as a landmark achievement for his state, which is commonly referred to as Nigeria’s food basket.
He affirmed the state government’s strong support for the project’s implementation, stating that Benue “not only carries the basket but also provides the food and its surpluses for the nation.”
Additionally, Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, characterized the agreement as a model for South-South cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.
