President Bola Tinubu has touched down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take part in the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and Emerging Economic Bloc, popularly known as BRICS. This influential bloc comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The Nigerian leader’s flight landed at Galeao Air Force Base at 8:45 pm local time on Friday, where he was welcomed with a Guard of Honour coordinated by the base commander. According to a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “President Tinubu Arrives In Rio De Janeiro For BRICS Meeting.”
Upon arrival, President Tinubu was received by Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture. The invitation to the summit came directly from Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.
President Tinubu is scheduled to attend a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula on Saturday, July 5, ahead of the main summit sessions on July 6 and 7. During the summit, he will participate in a plenary session and deliver a keynote address focusing on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the country’s economy for global competitiveness.
In addition to the discussions, President Tinubu will engage with investors to explore opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy. The summit’s theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” underscores the focus on collaborative efforts to address pressing global challenges.
Deliberations at the summit will cover critical issues including health, Artificial Intelligence governance, and climate change. Prior to the Leaders’ Summit, BRICS political negotiators held discussions to align commitments on combating socially determined diseases, AI governance, and climate finance, aiming to provide tangible solutions to structural problems faced by the Global South.
Joining President Tinubu at the summit are Nigerian state governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).
Okay.ng reports that this summit is a key platform for Nigeria to deepen its engagement with emerging economies and leverage collective efforts for sustainable development.
