Politics
“I Congratulate My Friend” – Tinubu Hails Lula’s Re-election, Seeks Stronger Global South Cooperation
expressing optimism that his renewed mandate would strengthen diplomatic and economic relations
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, expressing optimism that his renewed mandate would strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Brazil.
Tinubu, in a statement issued from the State House, Abuja, on October 26, 2026, described Lula as his friend and called for deeper cooperation between the two countries across strategic sectors.
“I congratulate my friend, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on his re-election for a record fourth term,” the Nigerian president said.
He said Lula’s renewed mandate presented an opportunity for both countries to consolidate their longstanding friendship and historical ties while advancing their shared interests in an increasingly changing global order.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria and Brazil, as leading nations of the Global South, have considerable opportunities to promote economic integration and strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
“Your renewed mandate offers an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” he said.
The president identified trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation, and cultural exchange as priority areas for expanded bilateral engagement.
Tinubu said stronger partnerships in these sectors could deepen economic relations and create opportunities for both countries to benefit from their respective strengths.
“I look forward to expanding cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation, and cultural exchange,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, stressing the importance of closer engagement between countries in Africa, South America and other parts of the Global South.
“I affirm Nigeria’s continued commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities in Africa, South America, and across the Global South,” Tinubu said.
The Nigerian leader concluded his message by wishing Lula success in his new term, extending the goodwill on behalf of the Nigerian people.
“On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I wish you a successful new term in office,” he said.
The congratulatory message places renewed emphasis on Nigeria-Brazil relations, particularly the potential for stronger economic partnerships and diplomatic coordination between two influential countries in their respective regions.
