Tinubu: Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Progress With Technology, Food Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday pledged to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology, food security, and inclusive reforms, stressing that the country must not be left behind in Africa’s growth trajectory.

The President made the remarks while addressing members of the Nigerian community in Brazil during his official visit, which he described as a strategic move to deepen bilateral ties and draw lessons from Brazil’s economic transformation.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s determination to drive change through innovation, reform, and courage, insisting that Nigeria has all it takes to achieve rapid transformation.

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga quoted him as saying.

The President noted that Nigeria and Brazil once shared similar economic starting points, but the South American nation has since advanced in food systems and technology.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he declared.

Tinubu praised Nigerians living in Brazil and other parts of the world, describing them as vital to his administration’s vision of a new Nigeria built on innovation, culture, and responsibility.

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“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” he told the diaspora community.

Acknowledging the hardship caused by ongoing economic reforms, the President likened them to painful but necessary treatment for a lasting cure.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government was laying the groundwork for international collaborations that could unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.

He also called for unity and peace among Nigerians at home and abroad, urging them to keep faith in the country’s renewal drive.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” the President added.