President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Brazil to take part in the 17th BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government, where he will deliver a keynote address spotlighting Nigeria’s bold economic reforms and its renewed push for global competitiveness.

The two-day summit, scheduled for July 6 and 7 in the coastal city of Rio de Janeiro, brings together leaders from the newly expanded BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and recent entrants such as Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

President Tinubu’s participation marks a historic first for Nigeria, which officially joined BRICS in January 2025, becoming part of a powerful alliance representing nearly half of the world’s population and over 40% of global GDP.

Presidential Arrival and Diplomatic Welcome

The Nigerian leader touched down at Brazil’s Galeão Air Force Base at 8:45 p.m. local time on Friday evening, where he received full military honors coordinated by the Brazilian Air Force. 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.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu’s attendance follows an official invitation from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Both leaders are expected to hold a bilateral meeting ahead of the main summit proceedings, focusing on deepening economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Nigeria’s Reform Agenda in the BRICS Spotlight

President Tinubu is scheduled to address the summit during the plenary session, where he will share Nigeria’s economic reform blueprint. His speech will emphasize key initiatives aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomic landscape, attracting foreign investment, and unlocking growth across strategic sectors.

Among the reforms expected to feature prominently are:

• Deregulation of the petroleum sector

• Unification of the foreign exchange window

• Incentives for foreign direct investment (FDI)

• Agricultural modernization and export promotion

• Expansion of healthcare infrastructure and access

• Increased funding and innovation in renewable energy

• Ongoing anti-corruption and transparency measures

“President Tinubu will deliver an address on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness,” Onanuga confirmed in a statement.

The President will also meet with global investors and development partners on the sidelines of the summit to promote Nigeria’s business opportunities and strengthen ties with BRICS member nations.

BRICS 2025: Focus on Global South Cooperation

The 2025 BRICS Summit is themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Discussions will center around global priorities such as:

• Combating climate change and financing sustainability

• Coordinating governance of artificial intelligence

• Improving access to healthcare and tackling health inequity

• Reforming international financial institutions and multilateral bodies

Preceding the summit, political and economic negotiators from member states met to finalize shared positions on advancing climate resilience, scaling digital transformation, and promoting inclusive growth. Notably, BRICS leaders are expected to push for a fairer balance of power in global decision-making institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

Nigeria’s membership in the bloc signifies a strong alignment with these objectives, especially its commitment to reshaping the global financial architecture and advocating for the interests of developing countries.

Nigeria’s Strategic Entry into BRICS

Nigeria’s entry into BRICS earlier this year represented a significant milestone in its foreign policy under President Tinubu. The move signals Abuja’s intention to amplify its voice on global economic and security matters while creating new avenues for South-South cooperation.

In April 2025, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar reaffirmed this stance during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, stressing that Nigeria supports the bloc’s mission to promote a just and rules-based international order.

“Nigeria supports BRICS’ mission to establish a fairer, rules-based international order,” Tuggar stated, emphasizing the country’s commitment to inclusive global governance and multilateral cooperation.

With its membership, Nigeria now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the world’s largest emerging economies, offering a powerful platform to advocate for African interests, economic equity, and sustainable development.

Global Relevance and Domestic Implications

BRICS’ growing influence on the global stage comes at a time of rising economic fragmentation and geopolitical tension. The bloc’s member states have increasingly advocated for alternatives to dollar-based transactions, new development financing mechanisms, and enhanced South-South trade.

For Nigeria, these conversations are especially relevant. Amid its current economic challenges—high inflation, currency devaluation, and revenue shortfalls—the country is looking to tap into BRICS-linked opportunities, including:

• Access to non-dollar-denominated credit lines

• Partnerships in infrastructure, agriculture, and technology

• Support for economic diversification initiatives

• Collaboration on green energy transition and AI governance

Observers believe Nigeria’s participation in BRICS will strengthen its influence in multilateral negotiations, elevate its foreign investment profile, and open new channels for economic cooperation with countries that share similar development goals.

Looking Ahead: Nigeria’s Global Ambition

President Tinubu’s presence at the 17th BRICS Summit is being closely watched at home and abroad as a litmus test of Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic drive and global ambition. With a reformist agenda and a mandate to revitalize the economy, Tinubu is positioning Nigeria as a key voice among emerging powers.

The summit offers a rare opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate leadership, forge strategic partnerships, and shape policies that reflect the priorities of African nations on the global stage.

By aligning more deeply with BRICS and reinforcing bilateral ties—especially with Brazil, a major player in the Latin American region—Nigeria is seeking not only economic partnerships but also a more assertive role in shaping the future of global governance.

As the world turns its attention to Rio de Janeiro for the 2025 BRICS Summit, all eyes are on President Tinubu and what his message will signal about Nigeria’s evolving place in the international order.