President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for urgent global reforms to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global emissions. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tinubu urged world leaders to re-evaluate existing global structures in finance, governance, and healthcare to ensure fairness and inclusion for developing nations.
“Africa contributes the least to global emissions yet suffers the most,” Tinubu said, stressing the need for equity in climate action and sustainable development. He described the current global order as unjust and called for a renewed commitment to fair technology transfer and accessible financing to support developing nations in achieving climate resilience and economic growth.
Representing Nigeria at the high-level gathering of BRICS and Global South nations, Tinubu outlined the country’s proactive stance in tackling climate issues, citing initiatives like the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall as examples of Africa’s leadership in environmental action. He expressed optimism that the upcoming COP-30 climate summit would strengthen global commitment to environmental justice.
President Tinubu also emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation, urging developing countries to take an assertive role in global policymaking. “We cannot be passive participants in conversations about financial restructuring, debt relief, or healthcare equity,” he said.
Addressing healthcare challenges, particularly the rise of non-communicable diseases, Tinubu called on BRICS to become a platform for developing sustainable, inclusive health solutions. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and implementing comprehensive reforms in energy, urban resilience, and youth-centered development.
The summit marked Nigeria’s debut as a BRICS partner country, following its induction into the bloc’s new partnership framework earlier this year. Tinubu was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and Minister of Finance Wale Edun.
Nigeria’s participation underscores its growing role in shaping global conversations on sustainability, equity, and shared prosperity among emerging economies.
