President Bola Tinubu has called for greater equity and inclusion of low-income and emerging economies within global systems.
Tinubu stated that these measures should be spread across the governance, financial, healthcare, and climate change milieu.
The president spoke at the 17th BRICS meeting on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Nigeria was admitted as a partner country to the bloc in January.
According to a statement issued Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu said environmental degradation, the climate crisis, and healthcare inequalities should receive more attention, as they slow growth and development.
“Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most,” he added.
Tinubu harped on the need for a new path of justice, anchored in fairness, sustainable technology transfer, and accessible financing, to enable emerging economies to fully benefit from various initiatives.
“The African continent is creating the path through the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall. We believe that COP-30 will strengthen our resolve to adopt a strategic approach to achieving a healthy global environment,” the president said.
“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare.
“We must be the architects of a future that addresses the specific needs and concerns of youths, who represent 70 per cent of our population in Nigeria. Therefore, Nigeria remains guided by our long-term vision, 2050, and nationally determined contribution.
“We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions, strengthen urban resilience, champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework and achieve universal health coverage for all.
“As we approach COP-30 and look to strengthen the global health system, we believe the BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions and resolutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future.”
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strategic collaboration that translates into sustainable and inclusive development.
Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs; and Wale Edun, minister of finance; accompanied the president to the summit.
