President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government, focusing on the Global South and emerging economic powers.
The BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—will convene from July 6 to 7 under the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
Tinubu’s aircraft landed at the Galeão Air Force Base at 8:45 p.m. local time on Friday, where he was received with a Guard of Honour coordinated by the base’s commander.
The President was welcomed by Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, as well as the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu is attending the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
On Saturday, July 5, Tinubu is expected to join other world leaders for a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula, ahead of the formal summit proceedings.
During the summit, President Tinubu will deliver a speech highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at enhancing global competitiveness. He is also scheduled to engage with international investors to promote opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy sectors.
Key discussion points at this year’s summit include global health, artificial intelligence governance, climate change, and sustainable development. BRICS political negotiators have already held preliminary talks focused on tackling social determinants of disease, enhancing climate finance mechanisms, and addressing structural challenges confronting the Global South.
President Tinubu is accompanied by several Nigerian state governors, including Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).
