President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive overhaul of global governance, financial structures, and healthcare systems , urging f...
President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive overhaul of global governance, financial structures, and healthcare systems, urging for a more equitable and inclusive world order that reflects the interests of emerging and low-income nations—especially in Africa.
Tinubu made this call on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while addressing the 17th BRICS Summit of the Global South, Nigeria’s first appearance at the summit since joining the bloc as an official partner in January 2025.
“Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most,” Tinubu told fellow leaders at the summit hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
In a statement released Monday morning by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader emphasized that justice, equity, and accessible financing must form the foundation of a new global compact, driven by technology transfer and local solutions.
Nigeria’s Debut on the BRICS Global Stage
Tinubu's speech marks Nigeria’s formal debut as the ninth partner country in the expanded BRICS framework established during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. Nigeria joins Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan in the new partner-country category.
“The next issues are financial restructuring and reevaluation of the global structure,” Tinubu said.
“Developing countries must no longer be bystanders in conversations that shape the global future.”
He stressed Nigeria’s alignment with BRICS’ vision for a fairer and more representative international system, citing the country’s ongoing participation in climate and sustainability efforts, including the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall project.
A Vision for Youth and the Planet
The president highlighted Nigeria’s Vision 2050, describing it as a roadmap for long-term sustainability, with a strong focus on youth inclusion, environmental resilience, and health equity.
“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation,” Tinubu said.
“We cannot be passive participants in global decision-making on issues like debt relief, climate financing, and healthcare access.”
He called for stronger collaboration ahead of COP-30, especially in tackling non-communicable diseases and strengthening resilient health systems in underrepresented regions.
“The BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions,” Tinubu added, urging solidarity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Nigeria's Growing Influence
With over 200 million citizens, Nigeria is the sixth-most populous country in the world and one of Africa’s largest economies, making it a key player in the evolving BRICS architecture.
President Tinubu was accompanied to the summit by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Finance Minister Wale Edun.
Nigeria’s entry into BRICS aligns with Brazil’s stated goals during its 2025 presidency of the bloc, which include deepening South-South cooperation and advocating for reform in global governance systems.
As global power dynamics shift, President Tinubu positioned Nigeria not just as a participant—but as an assertive voice in reshaping global priorities for a more just and inclusive future.
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