PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive review of the global governance, financial, and healthcare systems to ensure greater fairness and inclusion for low-income and emerging economies, especially in Africa.
Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit held on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tinubu highlighted the urgent need to address environmental degradation, the climate crisis, and growing healthcare inequalities—issues he said are stalling progress across the continent.
President Tinubu, who attended the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, expressed Nigeria’s full support for BRICS’ commitment to equitable global development.
He noted that while Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, it bears the brunt of climate-related consequences.
“Nigeria aligns with BRICS’ pursuit of fairness and equity. The world must now turn its focus to restructuring financial systems and reevaluating the existing global order,” Tinubu said in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He further called for technology transfer, accessible climate financing, and justice-driven development models.
“Africa is forging its path through initiatives like the African Carbon Market and the Great Green Wall. We hope COP-30 will reinforce our efforts towards a sustainable environment,” he added.
Since Nigeria’s admission as a BRICS partner country in January 2025—alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—the country has sought to play a more active role in global South-South cooperation and international decision-making.
President Tinubu also stressed the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases and strengthening global health systems, urging BRICS to become a platform not just for economic collaboration but also for innovative solutions rooted in solidarity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
“Our future depends on inclusive strategies that prioritize the needs of our youth, who make up 70% of Nigeria’s population,” Tinubu said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to climate action, urban resilience, health coverage, and renewable energy.
Accompanying him at the summit were Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and Minister of Finance Wale Edun. The Brazilian government officially confirmed Nigeria’s BRICS partner status on January 17, 2025.
With a rapidly growing population and strategic economic influence, Nigeria is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of South-South partnerships and reforms to global governance.