Tinubu arrives in Brazil for G20 Leaders’ Summit
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20).
The Nigerian leader touched down at 11:03 p.m. local time on Sunday (3:03 a.m. on Monday, Nigerian time) and was welcomed by Ambassador Breno Costa of Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations.
Accompanying the President were key cabinet members, including Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Livestock Development Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Tourism, Culture, and Creativity. Also present in his delegation were Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, and Mohammed Mohammed, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency.
During the summit, President Tinubu is scheduled to engage in bilateral talks aimed at advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic reforms.
Focus of the G20 Summit
The summit is being hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva under the theme: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.”
Discussions will focus on sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, as well as reforms in global governance. Key topics include the Israel-Hamas conflict, U.S.-China relations, climate change, and principles for the digital economy.
The event marks the culmination of a year of work by G20 members, including ministerial meetings and various engagement groups.
Leaders from the 19 member countries, such as the U.S., China, India, and South Africa, will gather to finalize negotiated agreements and strategize on tackling global challenges.
Tinubu’s Invitation and AU’s Representation
President Tinubu’s attendance follows an invitation extended by the Brazilian government on August 29. Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria Carlos Areias emphasized Brazil’s focus on food security and eradicating extreme poverty by 2030 as central goals of its G20 presidency.
The African Union, newly admitted as a permanent G20 member alongside the European Union, is also participating, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity in addressing global issues.
The summit is scheduled to run from November 18 to 19.
