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NIGERIA, BRAZIL UNITE ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SPACE
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation signed between Nigeria and Brazil, represents a statement of shared vision and a decisive step toward building ecosystems of innovation that would benefit both nations and the wider world.
Chief Nnaji, who signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria alongside Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos, explained that the MoU would open new in biotechnology, frontiers in energy, digital transformation, space research, and raw materials development.
He added that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria regards Brazil not only as a partner but as a trusted ally in advancing science and technology for inclusive growth and prosperity.
In a statement, the Director of Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, Dr. Felix Ale, said the signing ceremony, which took place in Brasília, was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
He described the development as a milestone in South–South cooperation, stressing that it showcases the high-level commitment of both countries to science, technology, and innovation as engines of sustainable development.
According to Dr. Ale, space technology and its applications took center stage during the discussions, with leaders and experts, highlighting their role in addressing climate change, food insecurity, disaster management, and digital transformation.
He noted that the agreement provided for joint satellite missions for agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, as well as cooperation in space vehicle engineering, capacity building, and technology transfer.
Chief Nnaji was quoted as saying that space was no longer a luxury but a necessity for national prosperity and security.
On her part, Luciana Santos emphasized Brazil’s global leadership in satellite development and bioeconomy applications, while expressing confidence that collaboration with Nigeria would deliver solutions with planetary relevance.
On their parts, President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s determination to harness technology for inclusive prosperity, while President Lula da Silva described the pact as a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two great nations of the Global South.
The MoU further expands collaboration in biotechnology, ocean sciences, bioeconomy, and energy, reflecting the shared resolve of both nations to tackle 21st-century challenges and seize emerging opportunities. Artificial intelligence applications are expected to be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and the Nigeria–Cameroon basins, while earth observation systems will enhance resilience against natural disasters and food insecurity.
Stakeholders believe the agreement will create unprecedented opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and youth in both countries, while reinforcing global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was described as a new era in Nigeria–Brazil relations, demonstrating that both nations are determined to use science and technology not just for exploration, but as tools for economic growth, security, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
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