President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and the BRICS emerging economic bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

 

The President’s flight touched down at the Galeao Air Force Base at 8:45 p.m. on Friday. He was received with full military honors coordinated by the Base Commander. Also on hand to welcome him were Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture.

 

Accompanying President Tinubu are five Nigerian state governors: Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).

 

According to a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu is attending the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Lula today, July 5, ahead of the main summit sessions scheduled for July 6 and 7.

 

During the BRICS Summit, President Tinubu will deliver a keynote address highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for global competitiveness. He will also seek to attract foreign investment in key sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy.

 

The summit’s theme is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Discussions will focus on pressing issues affecting the Global South, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, climate change, and governance.

 

Ahead of the leaders’ engagements, BRICS political negotiators have been working to align strategies and commitments to tackle structural challenges facing developing nations. Their priorities include stronger governance for AI, increased climate finance, and collaborative efforts to fight diseases driven by social inequalities.