President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Brazil and is now on his way back to Abuja after completing a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
The Presidency, in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the presidential jet departed Brasília International Airport Air Force Base at exactly 12:57 pm (Brazilian time) on Wednesday.
Senior Brazilian officials were at the airport to see him off, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s envoy to Nigeria. On Nigeria’s side, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, joined in the farewell. A brief military ceremony, with a guard of honour led by Col. Cel Nicolas, was also held.
President Tinubu had arrived in Brasília on Monday, August 25, where he received a red-carpet welcome and full military honours at the Palácio do Planalto, Brazil’s Presidential Palace. During the visit, he met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other top officials.
The two leaders oversaw the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Nigeria and Brazil. These agreements cover key areas such as aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture — all of which are important for Nigeria’s growth and development.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that Tinubu flew into Brazil directly from Los Angeles, United States, and was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian officials.
However, back home in Nigeria, there have been growing concerns about the President’s frequent foreign trips, especially at a time when the country is facing economic challenges, complaints of inadequate funds, and pressing developmental needs.
