Tinubu Lands in Rio for BRICS Summit, Set to Showcase Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Tinubu touched down at Galeao Air Force Base in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at 8:45 pm on Friday, marking the start of his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government. The summit, hosted by Brazil, brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss critical issues facing the Global South and emerging economies.

Welcomed with a Guard of Honour coordinated by the Galeao Air Force Base Commander, President Tinubu was received by 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.

The Nigerian leader is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, with a bilateral meeting scheduled for today, ahead of the main summit on July 6 and 7.

He will also engage investors, promoting opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy

Under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” the BRICS Summit will focus on health, artificial intelligence, governance, and climate change. President Tinubu is expected to deliver a plenary address, highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at boosting global competitiveness.

He will also engage investors, promoting opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy.

The summit follows preparatory discussions by BRICS political negotiators, who emphasized solutions to structural challenges in the Global South, including socially determined diseases, AI governance, and climate finance.

Accompanying President Tinubu are Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), signaling Nigeria’s strong representation at the summit.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, noted that Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and driving sustainable development.