BRICS Summit: Tinubu urges reforms, more inclusion for Africa

‎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.

‎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.

‎“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.”

‎”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.”

‎”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.”

‎The President affirmed Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate climate action and build environmental resilience through stakeholder engagement and policy reform.

‎”We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions and strengthen urban resilience.”

‎”We also champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework and achieve universal health coverage for all.”

‎‎He noted that environmental degradation, climate crisis, and global healthcare inequalities were shared concerns pertinent to Africa.

‎”Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most.”

‎He also urged BRICS nations to prioritise non-communicable diseases as a core global health concern.

‎”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.”

‎”Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strategic collaboration that translates into sustainable and inclusive development for all.”

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 (NAN) 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 multi polarity.