President Tinubu demands fairer global order for Africa at BRICS Summit

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has called for a sweeping reevaluation of the global governance system, financial institutions, and healthcare structures to ensure greater inclusion and fairness for emerging and low-income economies, particularly in Africa.

Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, President Tinubu urged the bloc to champion equitable development and help bridge growing disparities in climate, finance, and public health.

He emphasized that the continent of Africa, despite contributing the least to global carbon emissions, suffers the harshest consequences of climate change.

“Environmental degradation, the climate crisis, and global healthcare inequalities are shared challenges that must be addressed urgently,” Tinubu told leaders gathered at the summit, which brings together key nations from the Global South. “Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most.”

President Tinubu was invited to the high-level meeting by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Nigeria, now one of BRICS’ nine official partner countries, was formally admitted into the bloc in January 2025 during Brazil’s pro tempore presidency. Other partner countries include Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

In his address, Tinubu aligned Nigeria’s position with that of BRICS, calling for “financial restructuring and reevaluation of the global structure.” He urged the group to become a “beacon for emerging solutions rooted in solidarity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”

The Nigerian leader highlighted ongoing national and continental initiatives such as the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall as evidence of Africa’s commitment to climate action.

“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We cannot be passive participants in global decision-making. We must be the architects of a future that addresses the specific needs and concerns of our youth, who make up 70 percent of our population,” he said.