Nigeria, Brazil deepen economic ties as delegation tours WACOT Rice facility in Kebbi By Jamil Gulma, Kebbi State
Nigeria, Brazil deepen economic ties as delegation tours WACOT Rice facility in Kebbi
By Jamil Gulma, Kebbi State
In a move to deepen bilateral economic cooperation, a high-powered Brazilian delegation led by the country’s Vice President and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Services, His Excellency Geraldo Alckmin, has visited the WACOT Rice milling facility in Argungu, Kebbi State.
The visit, organised in partnership with the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, forms part of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) and aims to explore strategic investment opportunities in agribusiness, industrial services, renewable energy, health, and education.
Kebbi State was selected as one of seven states to host sector-specific field tours aimed at showcasing commercial success stories in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Kebbi leg of the engagement was hosted by TGI Group, a long-standing private sector partner committed to inclusive agricultural development.
During the visit, the delegation was taken on a guided tour of the WACOT Rice facility and later participated in a closed-door roundtable focused on agribusiness investments and value chain expansion.
The Brazilian delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, at his palace, where a colourful mini durbar was organised by the royal father in honour of the visitors.
Earlier, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, expressed readiness to partner with the Brazilian government in advancing agriculture and livestock development in the state.
Governor Idris gave the assurance while receiving a delegation led by Brazil’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Mr Clever Oliveira, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
The governor noted that Brazil’s recent economic growth was largely driven by its focus on agricultural development.
He emphasised that Kebbi State would take a cue from Brazil’s success in agriculture and livestock as a model for boosting Nigeria’s economy.
In his response, Deputy Minister Clever Oliveira explained that their visit to Kebbi was in line with directives from the Brazilian Federal Government to explore agricultural investment opportunities in selected Nigerian states, particularly Kebbi.
The delegation’s visit to WACOT Rice Company was part of efforts to build synergy and deepen mutually beneficial opportunities in agribusiness, industrial services, renewable energy, health, and education.
Kebbi’s selection as one of the seven states for the sector-specific field tour underscores its importance in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
The TGI Group remains a steadfast partner in driving inclusive growth through sustainable agricultural practices.
The delegation concluded its visit with a comprehensive tour of the WACOT Rice facility, followed by a closed-door discussion on strategic agricultural investments and value chain development.
