Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, reiterated the country’s steadfast commitment to contributing to a more inclusive and equitable global order during his speech at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Wednesday. Addressing a range of global issues, Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to work within the BRICS framework to address pressing challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and technological disruptions.
In his keynote address, Tuggar underscored Nigeria’s support for BRICS’ push for systemic reforms aimed at realigning international governance structures with the realities of today’s world. He emphasized the bloc’s role in advancing a fairer distribution of power and resources, crucial for empowering the Global South.
“Nigeria firmly stands with BRICS in advocating for global reforms that reflect contemporary challenges,” Tuggar stated in a statement released by his office in Abuja. He added that the country is prepared to contribute actively to BRICS’ key initiatives, including peace and security, sustainable development, health cooperation, and the governance of emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence.
The Nigerian Foreign Minister also praised the BRICS bloc for offering alternatives to outdated international frameworks, pointing to initiatives like the New Development Bank and the ongoing discussions on creating a unified payment system. These efforts, Tuggar noted, are vital in addressing the financial and development needs of the Global South.
Tuggar also aligned Nigeria with Brazil’s priorities for its upcoming 2025 BRICS chairmanship, describing them as instrumental in fostering a more balanced global order. He stressed the significance of South-South Cooperation, noting that the Global South is no longer just a recipient of global policies but is emerging as a key driver of inclusive solutions to global challenges.
With Nigeria’s strategic position as Africa’s most populous nation and its rapidly growing tech sector, Tuggar highlighted the country’s potential to serve as a significant partner in advancing BRICS goals. He also pointed out Nigeria’s growing role in boosting intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In closing, Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to help shape a new era of global collaboration based on mutual respect, solidarity, and equity. He called for urgent reforms in global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to better reflect the aspirations of the 21st century.