President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on BRICS nations to spearhead a fairer global order that prioritizes inclusive development, equitable climate action, and access to healthcare for developing nations. Addressing world leaders at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tinubu emphasized the need for global financial and healthcare reforms that reflect the realities of emerging economies, especially in Africa.
Speaking on Monday, Tinubu said Nigeria is actively pursuing renewable energy adoption, tackling environmental degradation, and promoting urban resilience in line with the global sustainable development agenda. “We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions, strengthen urban resilience, champion South-South cooperation, and achieve universal health coverage for all,” he said.
According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President stressed that although Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, the continent bears the greatest burden of climate change. He called for climate justice, sustainable technology transfer, and fair access to financing mechanisms that can help African nations adapt and thrive.
President Tinubu also called attention to global health disparities and urged BRICS to lead reforms that ensure more accessible and resilient health systems, especially against non-communicable diseases. “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 solutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to South-South cooperation and inclusive global decision-making. He emphasized that Africa’s youth population; 70% of Nigeria’s demographic, must not be excluded from shaping the global future. “We must be the architects of a future that addresses the specific needs and concerns of our youth,” he added.
Nigeria was officially admitted as a BRICS partner country in January 2025, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan under a new partnership framework created at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
Accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Finance Minister Wale Edun, Tinubu said Nigeria remains committed to strategic collaboration that delivers sustainable growth and shared prosperity. “Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strategic collaboration that translates into sustainable and inclusive development for all,” he concluded.
As the world’s sixth-most populous country and one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping South-South cooperation and reforms in global governance during Brazil’s pro tempore presidency of BRICS.
That’s great