The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has advocated for stronger trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Brazil, highlighting numerous collaboration opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology and the creative industries.
Alawuba made this call in Abuja on September 16, 2026, during the celebration of Brazil’s National Day, hosted by the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Nigeria.
While congratulating the Government and people of Brazil, the UBA boss noted that the longstanding relationship between both countries extends beyond diplomacy to shared history, cultural heritage and a strong connection between their people.
He recalled Brazil’s representation at Nigeria’s independence celebrations in 1960, describing the gesture as a cherished foundation of the relationship between the two countries and also highlighted the enduring influence of Afro-Brazilian heritage in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos Aguda communities, where Brazilian architectural, culinary and cultural traditions continue to thrive.
According to Alawuba, the shared entrepreneurial spirit, cultural diversity, love of music and passion for football between Nigerians and Brazilians continues to provide a strong foundation for expanding commercial ties.
The UBA boss, noted that bilateral trade in goods between Nigeria and Brazil was approximately US$2.4 billion in 2025, stressing that there remained considerable room to deepen economic exchange and unlock new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
He also pointed to the US$1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanization Programme as an example of the opportunities that could emerge from combining Brazilian expertise and equipment with Nigerian enterprise to improve productivity, strengthen food security and create jobs.
Speaking on UBA’s pan-African reach, he explained that UBA’s presence in 20 African countries as well as the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and France, positions the bank to effectively support trade and investment between Africa and Brazil through its reach, local knowledge and financial capabilities.
While appreciating the relationship between the bank and the Embassy of Brazil, which he said had been built on confidence, trust and mutual respect since 2019, he reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening the partnership through focused service and closer collaboration.
Alawuba also used the opportunity to commend the warmth of the Brazilian people, the richness of its culture and the promise of its future, expressing optimism that the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Brazil would translate into shared economic prosperity.
