Nigerian President Tinubu Urges Global Reform at BRICS Summit
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a comprehensive reevaluation of global governance, financial structures, and healthcare systems, emphasizing the need for greater inclusion and equity for low-income and emerging economies, particularly in Africa.
Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit held on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Tinubu highlighted pressing global challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, and healthcare disparities, which he said continue to hinder growth and development in the Global South.
Invited to the summit by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Tinubu affirmed Nigeria’s support for BRICS’ call for a more just and collective approach to global development.
“Nigeria, therefore, associates with what I have heard today and all that has happened in BRICS. The next issues are financial restructuring and reevaluation of the global structure,” he said.
Nigeria officially joined BRICS as a partner country in January 2025 alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The partner-country category was introduced during the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October 2024.
Highlighting the disproportionate burden Africa bears despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, Tinubu stated, “Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most.” He called for “a new path of justice” based on fairness, sustainable technology transfer, and accessible financing so that emerging economies can fully benefit from international initiatives.
The president pointed to African-led initiatives like the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall as examples of proactive environmental action.
“We believe that COP-30 will strengthen our resolve to adopt a strategic approach to achieving a healthy global environment,” he added.
Reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive development, Tinubu said, “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.”
He stressed the importance of engaging young populations in national development strategies, noting, “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.”
President Tinubu also emphasized health equity, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases. “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
About The Author
