President Bola Tinubu has called for a fundamental reform of global governance, finance, and healthcare systems, urging more equity and inclusion for low-income and emerging economies, particularly in Africa.
Speaking at the 17th BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, Tinubu stressed that issues such as environmental degradation, climate change, and healthcare inequality require urgent international attention, as they hinder sustainable growth and development.
Invited by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for BRICS’ push toward fair, collective development. Nigeria officially joined BRICS as a partner country in January 2025, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
“Nigeria associates with BRICS and what I have heard here today. The next step is financial restructuring and a reevaluation of the global governance system,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Climate Justice and Africa’s Burden
Tinubu highlighted that Africa, despite contributing the least to global emissions, suffers the most from climate impacts. He called for a just and inclusive global framework grounded in equitable access to finance and technology.
“We need a new path of justice anchored in fairness, technology transfer, and accessible financing so emerging economies can benefit from global initiatives.”
He also pointed to African-led efforts such as the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall as part of the continent’s response to environmental challenges.
Health Inequality and Global Solutions
The President insisted that global efforts must also prioritise addressing non-communicable diseases and strengthening health systems, especially as the world prepares for the COP-30 summit.
“BRICS must become a beacon for emerging solutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, and shared prosperity. Nigeria remains committed to a future that includes universal health coverage.”
Nigeria’s Commitments and Vision 2050
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with the BRICS vision and its long-term development blueprint, Vision 2050, which centres on climate action, renewable energy, urban resilience, and youth empowerment—70 per cent of Nigeria’s population being under 30.
“We are taking bold steps to promote climate action, accelerate renewable energy, strengthen urban resilience, and achieve universal healthcare.”
Diplomatic Engagement and Strategic Role
Tinubu attended the summit alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Finance Minister Wale Edun. Nigeria, the sixth most populous nation globally and one of Africa’s largest economies, shares key development goals with BRICS members.
The Brazilian government, which currently holds the pro tempore presidency of BRICS, confirmed Nigeria’s admission as a partner country on 17 January 2025.
“Nigeria plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and reforming global governance—key priorities under Brazil’s leadership,” the official statement concluded.