Tinubu Calls for Global Framework on Critical Minerals, Ethical AI at G20 Summit
Tinubu Calls for Global Framework on Critical Minerals, Ethical AI at G20 Summit
Tinubu Calls for Global Framework on Critical Minerals, Ethical AI at G20 Summit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged world leaders to establish a global framework that guarantees fair benefits for communities hosting critical minerals in Nigeria and across Africa, insisting that value addition must take place at the source rather than abroad.
The President made the call at the Third Session of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, South Africa. The session, themed “A Fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence,” brought together global leaders to discuss emerging economic and technological priorities.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said critical minerals in Africa represent far more than natural deposits—they offer a pathway to industrial transformation and economic renewal for the continent.
He warned, however, that resource ownership alone does not translate into prosperity. Instead, extraction and trade must be driven by fairness, transparency, accountability, and value creation.
“Nigeria calls for a global framework that promotes value addition at the source, supports local beneficiation, and ensures that communities hosting these resources are not left behind. The issue before us goes beyond economics; it speaks to the moral character of the world we aspire to build,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that as the world transitions toward green and digital economies, progress must remain people-centred. He described decent work as the anchor that ensures these transitions remain fair, inclusive, and sustainable.
He highlighted Nigeria’s investments in digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which are aimed at preparing millions of young Nigerians for future jobs.
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On Artificial Intelligence (AI), President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s support for the development of global ethical standards that uphold safety, transparency, and equity.
“AI must remain a tool of empowerment, not exclusion; of job creation, not displacement,” he said, calling for deeper partnerships between developed and developing nations to ensure equitable access to AI-driven opportunities.
He urged the G20 to address systemic bias, promote inclusive innovation, and support long-term multilateral dialogue that protects vulnerable societies from technological risks.
President Tinubu also called for major reforms in global financial systems, warning that outdated frameworks continue to constrain developing economies.
He argued that many multilateral institutions were built for a world that no longer exists and cannot adequately address the complexities of today’s economic challenges.
“For trade to be truly inclusive, the G20 must take bold steps toward reforming the international financial architecture. Only a more equitable and responsive system can fairly manage global financial flows and sincerely address recurring debt crises,” he said.
The President noted that Africa cannot achieve sustainable development without addressing systemic barriers such as rising debt burdens, which continue to trap economies in cycles of fragility.
He urged the G20 to place debt sustainability, critical minerals governance, and financial inclusion at the core of its development agenda.
“Africa cannot rise on aspirations alone. We must confront the persistent challenges before us, particularly the need for sustainable development financing,” he said.
President Tinubu called on G20 leaders to build a future where Africa is not merely a supplier of raw materials but a hub of value creation, innovation, and dignified work.
Tinubu Calls for Global Framework on Critical Minerals, Ethical AI at G20 Summit
