President Bola 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 Emerging Economic Bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS).
He arrived at the Galeao Air Force Base on Friday evening at about 8:45 p.m and was received by Brazilian government officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture.
According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was conducted upon the president’s arrival.
Tinubu is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He is expected to participate in a bilateral meeting with the Brazilian leader on Saturday, July 5, ahead of the main summit sessions scheduled for July 6 and 7.
During the summit, Tinubu will address a plenary session and is expected to highlight Nigeria’s economic reforms and efforts to attract investment across key sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and renewable energy.
This year’s summit is themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Key areas of focus include climate change, artificial intelligence, public health, and governance challenges facing developing nations.
Ahead of the leaders’ sessions, BRICS political negotiators have held talks on coordinating positions on AI governance, climate finance, and strategies to address health and structural inequalities in the Global South.
President Tinubu was accompanied by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).
The summit brings together member countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – with invited leaders from across the Global South to deepen economic cooperation.
President Tinubu, who commenced a two-nation trip to the Caribbean and South America, arrived in Saint Lucia last Saturday to deepen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean nations.
During the visit, Tinubu addressed a special joint sitting of the Saint Lucian Parliament on June 30, where he proposed a visa-waiver agreement between Nigeria and member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for holders of official and diplomatic passports.
He also announced full tuition scholarships for OECS students wishing to study in Nigeria in priority areas such as maritime studies, science, and innovation.
