United Bank for Africa Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Oliver Alawuba has called for stronger trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Brazil, pointing to opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology and the creative sector.
Alawuba made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during Brazil’s National Day celebration hosted by the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Nigeria.
While congratulating the Brazilian government and its people, the UBA chief executive said the relationship between Nigeria and Brazil goes beyond diplomatic ties. He noted that both countries share a long history, cultural links and strong connections between their people.
He recalled Brazil’s representation at Nigeria’s independence celebrations in 1960, describing it as an important moment in the relationship between the two nations. He also pointed to the lasting influence of Afro Brazilian heritage in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos communities such as Aguda, where Brazilian architecture, food and cultural traditions remain visible.
According to Alawuba, the shared entrepreneurial drive, cultural diversity, passion for music and love of football among Nigerians and Brazilians provide a strong basis for expanding business and investment between both countries.
He said bilateral trade in goods between Nigeria and Brazil stood at about US$2.4 billion in 2025, but stressed that there was still significant room for both countries to increase economic cooperation and create more opportunities for businesses.
Alawuba highlighted the US$1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanisation Programme as an example of what stronger cooperation could achieve. He said combining Brazilian agricultural expertise and equipment with Nigerian enterprise could boost productivity, improve food security and create jobs.
He also highlighted UBA’s presence across 20 African countries, as well as its operations in the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and France. According to him, the bank is well positioned to support trade and investment between Brazil and Africa through its financial capacity, local knowledge and international network.
Alawuba further appreciated the relationship between UBA and the Brazilian Embassy, which he said had been built on trust, confidence and mutual respect since 2019. He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to deepening the partnership through stronger collaboration and focused services.
He also praised Brazil’s rich culture and the warmth of its people, expressing confidence that the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Brazil could lead to greater economic opportunities and shared prosperity.
