BRICS Summit: Nigeria urges reform of UN, global financial institutions

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council and the international financial system during the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India. The summit, themed 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,' is being chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, addressed the need for a more representative, equitable, and responsive global governance architecture. He emphasized that Nigeria supports such reforms, including the restructuring of the UN Security Council and the international financial system, in line with BRICS' vision for a more inclusive international order.

The President highlighted that Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda includes reforms to build a resilient economy, create sustainable opportunities, and advance Africa's development priorities. Tinubu invited BRICS members to partner with Nigeria in critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, and technology. He also sought BRICS investors to view Nigeria as a gateway to Africa's expanding market, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area, where Nigeria is championing the digital trade protocol.

The President stressed that Nigeria's young and dynamic population, with an average age of 16.9, is its greatest asset, driving innovation through digital skills, entrepreneurship, research, artificial intelligence, and technology-enabled businesses.