Tinubu Urges Reform of Global Finance, Governance, and Health Systems at BRICS Summit

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil –President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for urgent reforms to the global financial, healthcare, and governance systems, urging greater inclusion and equity for low-income and emerging economies, particularly in Africa.

Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit for Global South and Emerging Economies in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, President Tinubu emphasized the need for structural changes that reflect the realities and aspirations of developing nations.

“The next issues are financial restructuring and reevaluation of the global structure,” Tinubu said during his address. “Africa contributes the least to global emissions but suffers the most. We must pursue justice through fair access to financing and sustainable technology transfer.”

Nigeria was officially admitted as a BRICS partner country on January 17, 2025, joining eight others—Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—following a resolution passed at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.

President Tinubu stated that Nigeria aligns with BRICS’ vision of fair, collective development and emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, healthcare inequalities, and economic exclusion.

“Nigeria believes BRICS should serve not only as a bloc for emerging economies but also as a beacon for global solutions based on solidarity, self-reliance, and sustainability,” he said.

Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s ongoing initiatives, including the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall project, as examples of Africa’s commitment to environmental sustainability. He also expressed optimism that the upcoming COP-30 climate conference would enhance coordinated global action.

The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-term development strategy, citing the Vision 2050 framework and the country’s nationally determined contributions toward climate goals. He also stressed the importance of policies tailored to youth, who make up 70% of Nigeria’s population.

“Nigeria is accelerating renewable energy adoption, promoting nature-based solutions, and working toward universal health coverage,” Tinubu added.

He also called for renewed global attention to non-communicable diseases, arguing that health equity must be part of the broader development agenda.

The Nigerian delegation to the summit included Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Minister of Finance Wale Edun.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, has long advocated for reforms in global governance and financial institutions. Its entry into BRICS aligns with its commitment to deepening partnerships within the Global South and advancing shared development goals.