Tinubu arrives in Brazil for 17th Global South, BRICS Summit

….Gov Bago, Alia others in attendance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Global South and Emerging Economic Bloc, which includes major world economies Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS).

The Nigerian leader touched down at Galeão Air Force Base at 8:45 p.m. on Friday, where he was received with full military honours coordinated by the Galeão Air Force Base Commander.

Joining President Tinubu at the high-level summit are several Nigerian State Governors, including:

Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State)

Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)

Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)

Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)

Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)

The summit brings together leaders from emerging economies to discuss key issues around global economic development, South-South cooperation, and strategic partnerships in areas such as energy, trade, technology, and infrastructure.

Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture, received President Tinubu.

President Tinubu is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva. The Nigerian leader will attend a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula today, July 5, ahead of the summit on June 6 and 7.

At the BRICS Summit, the President will participate in a plenary session and deliver an address on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness.

He will also attract investors to capitalise on the country’s opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy.

The summit’s theme is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Deliberations will centre on health, Artificial Intelligence, governance, and Climate Change issues.

Ahead of the Leaders’ Summit, the political negotiators of BRICS brainstormed over aligning more commitments to combat socially determined diseases, artificial intelligence governance, and climate finance. Their focus was on providing concrete solutions to the structural challenges faced by the Global South.

The 17th Summit of BRICS will begin on July 6.