Tinubu Calls for Reform of Global Governance, Financial Institutions at BRICS Summit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for an urgent reform of global governance structures and international financial institutions to make them more representative, equitable and responsive to contemporary economic and demographic realities.
Tinubu made the call at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The summit, held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” brought together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries.
The President said Nigeria supports reforms to the United Nations Security Council and the international financial system, stressing that the transformation being championed by BRICS should extend to the broader international order.
“BRICS amplifies the voice of the Global South and advances a more inclusive international order, consistent with Nigeria’s call for institutions that reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities,” he said.
Tinubu also called for a BRICS partnership that moves beyond dialogue and commitments to practical implementation and measurable development outcomes.
He urged international investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s expanding investment opportunities, describing the country as a gateway to Africa’s growing market under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
According to the President, economic resilience for Nigeria means building an economy capable of withstanding global shocks while creating sustainable opportunities for its citizens.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on strengthening macroeconomic stability, diversifying production, improving productivity, expanding infrastructure and human capital, attracting investment, promoting private-sector-led growth and deepening climate resilience.
Tinubu further welcomed stronger BRICS cooperation in trade, agriculture, food security, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare and critical minerals, particularly in areas that promote technology transfer, local value addition, industrial development and job creation.
He identified Nigeria’s youthful population as one of the country’s major assets, noting that the creativity and enterprise of young Nigerians are contributing significantly to the nation’s innovation agenda.
He highlighted investment opportunities in digital skills, entrepreneurship, research, artificial intelligence and technology-driven businesses, citing initiatives including 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT), Project BRIDGE and national AI programmes.
The President also called for deeper BRICS cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech, telecommunications, cybersecurity, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
“A nation that owns no technology risks renting its future,” Tinubu said, stressing the importance of enabling developing countries to produce technology, create knowledge and own intellectual property.
He said Nigeria views its partnership with BRICS as an opportunity to expand trade and investment, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen human-capital development, while seeking partnerships in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, agriculture, healthcare, education and industrialisation.
On digital development, Tinubu said Nigeria was seeking an open, secure and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of advancing innovation, digital trade, responsible artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to climate action, while stressing the need for affordable climate finance, technology transfer and capacity-building for African countries.
The President said Nigeria was ready to support cooperation in renewable energy, gas, clean technologies, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable infrastructure and responsible development of critical minerals.
“Our partnerships must create jobs, expand trade, transfer technology, and strengthen our nations’ productive capacity. We must build a future in which Africa moves from the margins of global development to the frontiers of global growth and innovation,” he said.
Modi Calls for Inclusive BRICS Cooperation
Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while opening the summit, said confidence in BRICS among countries of the Global South had increased because their voices were being heard and their experiences respected.
Modi stressed that the strength of BRICS lies in its diversity and cooperation, with the bloc increasingly involving entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, women and young people alongside governments.
The summit also focused on initiatives aimed at strengthening skills, employment, enterprise development, knowledge-sharing and sustainable development among member and partner countries.
The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, 2026. Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, and its participation is aimed at deepening South-South cooperation and expanding opportunities in trade, investment, technology, energy, agriculture and industrial development.
Stanley Nkwocha is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President.
Tinubu Calls for Reform of Global Governance, Financial Institutions at BRICS Summit