President Bola Tinubu has called for urgent reforms to global systems, urging greater inclusion and fairness for Africa and other emerging economies.
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‎Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, he advocated for more equitable global financial and healthcare systems, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Monday.
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‎Mr Tinubu, invited by Brazilian President Lula da Silva, voiced Nigeria’s support for BRICS’ push toward inclusive, just, and collective global development.
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‎Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
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‎Mr Tinubu restated the need for a new global order founded on fairness, technology transfer, and accessible financing to enable developing nations to thrive.
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‎“The African continent is creating the path through the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall. We believe that COP-30 will strengthen our resolve to adopt a strategic approach to achieving a healthy global environment.
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‎”Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare,” said Mr Tinubu.
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‎He added, ”We must be the architects of a future that addresses the specific needs and concerns of youths, who represent 70 per cent of our population in Nigeria. ”Therefore, Nigeria remains guided by our long-term vision, 2050, and nationally determined contribution.”
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‎Mr Tinubu affirmed Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate climate action and build environmental resilience through stakeholder engagement and policy reform.
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‎”We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions and strengthen urban resilience,” Mr Tinubu explained. ‎”We also champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework and achieve universal health coverage for all.”
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‎‎He noted that environmental degradation, climate crisis, and global healthcare inequalities were shared concerns pertinent to Africa, pointing out that ‎Africa “has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most.”
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‎Mr Tinubulso urged BRICS nations to prioritise non-communicable diseases as a core global health concern.
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‎”As we approach COP-30 and look to strengthen the global health system, we believe the BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions and resolutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future.”
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‎”Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strategic collaboration that translates into sustainable and inclusive development for all.”
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President Tinubu attended the summit with Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and Finance Minister, Mr Wale Edun.
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‎Brazil, as BRICS chair, formally announced Nigeria’s admission as a partner country on January 17. ‎Nigeria now joins nine other nations as a BRICS partner country, reflecting a broader movement toward global multipolarity.
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‎With its large population and strategic economy, Nigeria shares aligned interests with other BRICS members in driving equitable global progress.
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‎BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE as full members.
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(NAN)