President Bola Tinubu has called for a reassessment of the current global governance structure, along with the international financial and healthcare systems, stressing the need for greater equity and inclusivity, particularly for low-income and emerging economies, with a special focus on Africa.
Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, he advocated for fairer global financial and healthcare structures.
This was contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday. He stated that President Tinubu was invited by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to participate in the summit.
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.”
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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, the climate crisis, and global healthcare inequalities were shared concerns, particularly for Africa.
“Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most.”
He also called on 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 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 the 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 the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun.
BRICS, originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to admit Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE as full members.
Nigeria has now become one of ten nations recognised as BRICS partner countries, signalling a growing shift towards a more multipolar global order.
