BRICS: Tinubu in Rio de Janeiro, to highlight reforms to reposition Nigerian economy –Presidency

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leaves Saint Lucia for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and Emerging Economic Bloc, where he will deliver an address on Nigeria’s reforms to reposition the West African country’s economy for global competitiveness

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

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 Emerging Economic Bloc, which includes Brazil.

ConsumerConnect reports the bloc embraces Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS).

President Tinubu’s flight touched down at the Galeao Air Force Base tarmac Friday, July 4, 2025, at 8:45 p.m., where the Galeao Air Force Base Commander coordinated the Guard of Honour.

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, received the Nigerian leader upon his arrival in the South American country.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, at the weekend disclosed President Tinubu had left Saint Lucia after a recent state visit for Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.

The Presidential aide noted the Nigerian leader would attend a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula Saturday, July 5, ahead of the summit stated for June 6 and 7.

Tinubu set to highlight Nigeria’s reforms to redirect economy

The statement also disclosed Tinubu, at the BRICS Summit, would participate in a plenary session and deliver an address on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness.

The President also will attract foreign investors to capitalise on the West African country’s opportunities avaliable in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy among others.

Ahead of the Leaders’ Summit, the political negotiators of BRICS brainstormed over aligning more commitments to combat socially determined diseases, Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, and climate finance.

According to the Nigerian Government, their focus is on providing concrete solutions to the structural challenges faced by the Global South.

State Governors participating in the summit with the President are Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), the statement added.