President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the BRICS economic bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, announced the President’s arrival in Rio de Janeiro.
Touching down at the Galeao Air Force Base at 8:45 pm on Friday, the Nigerian leader was received with a Guard of Honour coordinated by the Galeao Air Force Base Commander.
On hand to receive President Tinubu 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.
Tinubu is visiting at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and is expected to attend a bilateral meeting hosted by the Brazilian leader today, July 5, ahead of the main summit scheduled for July 6 and 7.
At the summit, Tinubu will deliver an address during a plenary session, highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning its economy for global competitiveness.
He is also expected to make a strong investment case for Nigeria, spotlighting key opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy sectors.
Themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” this year’s BRICS summit will focus on issues such as health, Artificial Intelligence, governance, and climate change.
In the build-up to the summit, BRICS political negotiators have been deliberating on enhanced commitments to tackle socially determined diseases, AI governance, and climate finance, with emphasis on addressing structural challenges faced by countries of the Global South.
Accompanying President Tinubu to the summit are five Nigerian state governors: Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).
