The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has called for stronger trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Brazil, identifying opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology and the creative industries.
Alawuba made the call on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Abuja at a reception organised by the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Nigeria to mark Brazil’s National Day.
While congratulating the government and people of Brazil, the UBA chief executive said the longstanding relationship between both countries extended beyond diplomacy to shared history, cultural heritage and strong people-to-people connections.
He recalled Brazil’s representation at Nigeria’s independence celebrations in 1960, describing the gesture as an important foundation of the bilateral relationship.
Alawuba 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 him, the shared entrepreneurial spirit, cultural diversity, passion for music and love of football between Nigerians and Brazilians provide a strong foundation for expanding commercial relations.
He said bilateral trade in goods between Nigeria and Brazil stood at approximately $2.4 billion in 2025, noting that there remained significant opportunities to expand economic exchanges and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Alawuba cited the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanisation Programme as an example of the potential benefits of combining Brazilian expertise and equipment with Nigerian enterprise to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and create jobs.
Speaking on UBA’s pan-African operations, he said the bank’s presence in 20 African countries, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and France, positioned it to support trade and investment between Africa and Brazil.
He said UBA’s international network, local market knowledge and financial capabilities could help facilitate stronger commercial links between businesses and investors in both countries.
Alawuba also acknowledged the relationship between UBA and the Brazilian Embassy, 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 services and closer collaboration.
The UBA chief executive commended the warmth of the Brazilian people and the country’s rich cultural heritage, expressing optimism that the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Brazil would translate into greater economic opportunities and shared prosperity.
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