Rio de janeiro: President Bola Tinubu has called for urgent reforms to global systems, urging greater inclusion and fairness for Africa and other emerging economies. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, he advocated for fairer global financial and healthcare structures. This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Tinubu, invited by Brazilian President Lula da Silva, voiced Nigeria's support for BRICS' push toward inclusive, just, and collective global development. Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Tinubu stressed the need for a new global order built on fairness, technology transfer, and affordable financing to empower developing nations to thrive.
He highlighted initiatives like the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall as pathways for the continent. Tinubu expressed hope that COP-30 would bolster strategic approaches to achieving a healthy global environment. Emphasizing South-South cooperation, he asserted that Nigeria could not remain passive in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare. He called for a future addressing the needs of the youth, who represent 70 percent of Nigeria's population.
The President affirmed Nigeria's efforts in accelerating climate action and building environmental resilience through stakeholder engagement and policy reforms. He outlined steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, and promote nature-based solutions. Tinubu also highlighted the importance of achieving universal health coverage for all.
He noted environmental degradation, climate crisis, and global healthcare inequalities as shared concerns pertinent to Africa, emphasizing that Africa suffers the most despite contributing the least to global emissions. Tinubu urged BRICS nations to prioritize non-communicable diseases as a core global health concern. He called on BRICS to be a beacon for emerging solutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
President Tinubu attended the summit with Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and Finance Minister, Mr Wale Edun. Brazil, as BRICS chair, formally announced Nigeria's admission as a partner country on Jan. 17. With its large population and strategic economy, Nigeria shares aligned interests with other BRICS members in driving equitable global progress.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE as full members. Nigeria now joins nine other nations as BRICS partner countries, reflecting a broader movement toward global multipolarity.