Nigeria and Brazil: A Partnership of Equals in a Changing World

By Abdulkabir Adisa, CEO, Matrix Energy Group

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu walked side by side with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília last week, it was more than the choreography of diplomacy. It was the meeting of two nations whose histories are intertwined and whose futures beckon toward shared prosperity.

Nigeria and Brazil are not strangers. Both are continental giants, blessed with human capital, natural resources, and the weight of history. Decades ago, our economies stood on almost the same starting line. Today, Brazil is an agricultural and industrial powerhouse, while Nigeria is at the cusp of rewriting its trajectory under a reform-driven leadership.

I was also privileged to attend the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum, where entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from both countries met with candour and focus. The conversations were not vague expressions of goodwill; they were practical discussions about projects, technology, and investment opportunities. It was clear to me that Brazil sees Nigeria as a strategic partner in energy, aviation, agriculture, and trade.

Earlier, at the state luncheon hosted by President Lula at the grand Itamaraty Palace, the symbolism was profound. The setting was elegant, the hospitality warm, and the camaraderie between bith president very obvious but what stood out was the genuine respect between hosts and guests. It was a reminder that partnerships are not only built on agreements, but also on trust and friendship.

This visit was not ceremonial. It produced tangible steps forward. Petrobras signalled readiness to return to Nigeria’s energy sector. Embraer announced plans for a service centre in Nigeria, strengthening our aviation industry and lowering operational costs. Air Peace and Caverton Air are preparing to launch direct passenger and cargo flights between Lagos and São Paulo, opening a vital corridor for trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties. Partnerships in agro-processing, Science and Technology, fertiliser production amongst others are getting the needed push.

Each of these commitments carries weight. They will create jobs, expand markets, and link our economies in ways that go beyond talk.

The baton now passes to the private sector. Government has opened the doors; it is up to us to walk through them. Nigerian firms must seize the chance to collaborate with Brazilian counterparts in agribusiness, logistics, energy, and technology. At Matrix, we are already exploring avenues to deepen our footprint from oil and gas to energy, fertiliser production and agriculture through these emerging opportunities.

Beyond trade, this visit represents something larger. It represents a rebalancing of global relations. For too long, Africa has been spoken of, rather than spoken with. Nigeria’s engagement with Brazil is part of a broader effort to ensure that the Global South speaks for itself, builds bridges within itself, and takes its rightful place at the global table.

President Tinubu’s reforms at home through currency unification, subsidy removal, and fiscal discipline are tough but necessary. Abroad, his diplomatic engagements are signalling that Nigeria is serious, competitive, and open for business. For those of us who sat in the rooms in Brasília, the message was unmistakable: this is a new Nigeria, ready to lead and ready to learn.

The visit should not be seen as just another stop in the presidential calendar. It should be remembered as the moment Nigeria declared itself a partner of equals in a changing world. If Brazil could move from food insecurity to global leadership in agriculture and energy within a generation, so too can Nigeria.

History may well record that in the bilateral at the Presidential palace, the conference halls of the business forum, and over lunch at Itamaraty Palace, a new chapter began—one of shared prosperity, mutual respect, and partnership between Nigeria and Brazil.

•⁠ ⁠Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, FNSE is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy, a leading Nigerian energy and trading company with business interests spanning oil and gas, shipping, fertiliser production, agriculture, and mining.

UBA, Mastercard launch Prepaid Card to Promote Financial Inclusion

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, in collaboration with Mastercard, Tuesday announced the launch of the Mastercard prepaid card to further accelerate financial inclusion and expand access to digital payment solutions across Africa.

The card, which does not require a traditional bank account, is designed to serve individuals who have historically lacked access to formal financial services, particularly young adults, gig workers, and low-income earners. It enables users to top up funds easily, transact both locally and internationally, and manage spending with flexibility and security.

With more than 28.9 million adults in Nigeria remaining unbanked, and digital-first tools increasingly demanded by youth and freelancers, the prepaid card directly addresses pressing gaps in the financial ecosystem.

Mastercard’s Country Manager, West Africa, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal and Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Shamsideen Fashola, during the the launch of the Mastercard Prepaid Card to further accelerate financial inclusion and expand access to digital payment solutions across Africa, held at the Bank’s headquarters in Lagos on Monday

Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Shamsideen Fashola, who noted this is a demonstration of the bank’s customer-first approach, stated that the bank is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian is banked and gets the best service.

“This collaboration with Mastercard is yet another demonstration of our customer-first approach. We are committed to providing practical solutions that meet the everyday needs of Nigerians, and this card will make payments simpler, safer, and accessible to all”

Mastercard’s Country Manager, West Africa, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, said: “At Mastercard, we are relentlessly committed to advancing financial inclusion through innovative and secure digital payment solutions that serve both banked and unbanked Nigerians. Collaborating with UBA enables us to unlock endless possibilities by connecting individuals across all income levels, demographics, and social strata. Together, we are empowering Nigerians with the tools they need to confidently participate in the global economy and shape a more inclusive digital future.”

The prepaid card offers distinct benefits for different user groups. Cardholders can use it as a convenient budgeting tool; freelancers and gig workers gain a flexible expense solution; and the unbanked are empowered through a secure, reloadable allowance card. The product is globally accepted and supported by Mastercard’s trusted infrastructure, providing users with peace of mind and seamless digital payment experiences.

This collaboration aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable financial future in Africa, by striving to break down long-standing barriers, enable underserved communities, and advance economic growth.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is a leading pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than 45 million customers across 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. With a strong focus on innovation, financial inclusion, and customer service, UBA provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking solutions, empowering individuals, businesses, and governments through cutting-edge digital platforms and inclusive financial products.

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Kiraa Football Academy Begins Construction of World-Class Stadium in Ososa Ijebu

For lovers of good football across the globe, especially in Nigeria, there is exciting news from Ososa Ijebu in Ogun State as one of the country’s fast-rising football academies, Kiraa Football Academy, has embarked on the construction of a world-class stadium that promises to change the face of grassroots football development.

The ambitious project, spearheaded by the energetic businessman and visionary sports enthusiast, Oluwasegun Franklin, officially kicked off in August 2025 along the Ijebu-Ode/Benin Road in Ososa. Sitting on seven acres of land, the stadium is set to become one of the most iconic sporting facilities in the region, with a capacity to accommodate thousands of passionate football fans.

But this project goes beyond just football matches. The facility will serve as a hub for diverse sporting activities across Nigeria, positioning Ososa Ijebu as a new sports destination. More importantly, it will house the Kiraa Football Academy players, from the under-10 category up to senior level, giving young talents a permanent home where they can nurture their dreams in a professional environment.

According to Franklin, the vision is to create a platform where young Nigerian talents can thrive and compete on both local and international levels, while also contributing to community development and sports tourism. The stadium, when completed within the next three years, is expected to attract football lovers, scouts, and investors, further boosting economic activities in the host community.

“This project is not just about football; it is about building a future for our youths, providing opportunities, and putting Ososa Ijebu on the global sports map,” Franklin emphasized.

With its scale and ambition, the Kiraa Football Academy stadium project is already attracting attention from sports stakeholders, philanthropists, and football lovers at home and abroad. It is a golden opportunity for meaningful Nigerians and corporate bodies to associate their names with a legacy that will inspire generations and transform grassroots sports in the country.

As the bulldozers continue to roar on-site, one thing is clear: the dream of raising Nigeria’s next football superstars is steadily taking shape in Ososa Ijebu.

It will also interest you to know that this stadium is situated in Ososa, a historic town renowned as the birthplace of Nigeria’s theater industry, pioneered by the late doyen of theater, Hubert Ogunde. The community is equally notable as the production hub of Bigi Beverages. With the construction of Kiraa Football Academy’s stadium, Ososa is set to emerge as a force to reckon with in Ogun State.