President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive restructuring of the global governance architecture, pressing for a more equitable and inclusive world order that prioritizes the interests of developing nations, particularly in Africa.
Speaking at the 17th BRICS summit of Global South and emerging economies on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Tinubu stressed the urgency of addressing long-standing systemic imbalances in international finance, healthcare, and climate action.
“Africa has contributed the least to global emissions, yet suffers disproportionately from the consequences,” President Tinubu said. “We must chart a new path rooted in justice, equity, and accessible financing, ensuring that no region is left behind.”
Tinubu’s invitation to the summit came from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, under whose rotating BRICS presidency Nigeria was formally announced as one of the bloc’s nine new partner countries on January 17, 2025. Nigeria joins Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan under the new partner-country framework established at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024.
As Africa’s largest economy and the sixth most populous country globally, Nigeria’s formal entry into BRICS as a partner marks a significant shift in the global south’s geopolitical landscape.
President Tinubu emphasized that Africa must no longer be a passive observer in global decision-making processes. He called on BRICS to serve not only as a platform for emerging economies but as a driver of global reform — pushing forward solutions grounded in solidarity, sustainability, and South-South cooperation.
“We cannot be passive participants when decisions on climate change, debt relief, healthcare, and financial reforms are being made. We must be active architects of a shared, inclusive future,” Tinubu declared.
He highlighted Nigeria’s ambitious national strategy — Vision 2050 — and its commitment to climate action through initiatives like the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall, aligning with broader international efforts ahead of COP-30.
The President also stressed the importance of investing in Africa’s youth, who comprise 70% of Nigeria’s population. “Our long-term success depends on addressing the needs of our young population with sustainable growth, inclusive policies, and access to universal health coverage.”
Addressing healthcare disparities, Tinubu underscored the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and called for renewed global attention on strengthening health systems in developing countries.
“As we approach COP-30, we believe BRICS should not only represent the voice of emerging economies, but also lead with emerging solutions,” he said. “Our shared future must be built on resilience, justice, and mutual prosperity.”
Tinubu was accompanied at the summit by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Finance Minister Wale Edun. The Nigerian delegation reiterated its commitment to deepening multilateral partnerships and enhancing the South’s voice in reshaping global institutions.
The Brazilian government, in a formal statement, noted that Nigeria’s inclusion underscores BRICS’ growing role in forging alternative centers of power and influence. “Nigeria plays an active role in promoting South-South cooperation and advocating reforms to the global order — a key priority under Brazil’s 2025 BRICS presidency,” the statement read.
President Tinubu’s speech marks a renewed push for African agency in global affairs, calling on BRICS and the broader international community to walk the talk on reform, climate action, and inclusive development.
