Victor EzejaNigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, has called for more attention to the challenges of environmental degradation, climate crisis, and healthcare inequalities, noting that they hinder growth and development.
Tinubu made the call on Saturday while speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit of the Global South in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Nigerian leader who was invited to the Summit by Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva emphasised that in order to promote greater equity and inclusion for low-income and emerging economies, especially in Africa, there must be a reevaluation of the current global governance structure as well as the financial and healthcare systems.
According to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president stated that Nigeria supports the BRICS position on the need to focus on collective, fair, and equitable global development.
Nigeria became the ninth partner country of BRICS in January 2025, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024 created the partner-country category.
Tinubu noted that environmental degradation, climate crisis, and global healthcare inequalities were shared concerns pertinent to Africa. “Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu emphasized that in order for emerging economies to fully benefit from various initiatives, a new path of justice that is based on fairness, sustainable technology transfer, and accessible financing is required.
According to him, the Great Green Wall and the African Carbon Market Initiative are paving the way for Africa.
“We believe that COP-30 will strengthen our resolve to adopt a strategic approach to achieving a healthy global environment.
“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare.”
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Tinubu further stated that more efforts would be made towards addressing the specific needs and concerns of youths, who represent 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, adding that the country remains guided by its long-term vision 2050, and nationally determined contribution.
“We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions, strengthen urban resilience, champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework and achieve universal health coverage for all,” the President stated.
Tinubu also emphasised that addressing non-communicable diseases must remain a collective health concern.
“As we approach COP-30 and look to strengthen the global health system, we believe the BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions and resolutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future.
“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strategic collaboration that translates into sustainable and inclusive development for all,” he noted.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
