President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a full overhaul of global systems—governance, finance, and healthcare—demanding more equity and inclusion for emerging economies, especially in Africa.
He made the appeal during the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, July 6, 2025.
Speaking to world leaders from BRICS nations and partner countries, Tinubu stressed that Africa’s voice must no longer be sidelined in shaping global decisions.
“The next issues are financial restructuring and reevaluation of the global structure,” he declared. “Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most.”
Nigeria Joins BRICS as Official Partner
Tinubu’s participation at the summit marked Nigeria’s debut as a BRICS partner country. This follows Nigeria’s admission in January 2025 alongside nations like Cuba, Belarus, Uganda, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan.
BRICS introduced the new partner-country category at its 2024 summit in Kazan, Russia. The goal is to widen collaboration with developing nations of the Global South.
President Tinubu’s message echoed BRICS’ central focus on multilateralism, debt relief, climate justice, and health equity.
He cited environmental degradation, weak healthcare systems, and economic disparities as major forces slowing global development.
He urged the bloc to become “a beacon for emerging solutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future.”
Africa’s Climate Burden, Nigeria’s Vision
Tinubu drew attention to Africa’s climate injustice, noting the continent’s low emissions but high exposure to climate crises like drought, flooding, and desertification.
He called for “a new path of justice” that guarantees sustainable technology transfer, affordable green financing, and inclusive environmental action.
He mentioned two flagship African climate projects—the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall—as examples of regional commitment.
On the home front, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to its 2050 Long-Term Vision and climate pledges under the Paris Agreement. These include expanding renewable energy, protecting natural resources, and building resilient urban infrastructure.
“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation,” Tinubu said. “We cannot be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare.”
Health Equity and the Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases
Tinubu also raised the alarm on rising non-communicable diseases in low-income countries. He said the BRICS bloc must evolve beyond economics into a platform for people-centred global solutions.
He urged fellow leaders to back efforts toward universal health coverage, particularly in countries with overstretched or underfunded health systems.
“We believe the BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions,” Tinubu told the summit.
He was joined by Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance.
Nigeria’s growing role in the Global South, particularly under BRICS, positions it as a critical voice in pushing for just global reforms.
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