Business
From Talk to Tangible Gains: The New Nigeria–Brazil Connection
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.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
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