President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20). His arrival on Sunday at 11:03 p.m. local time (Monday, 3:03 a.m. Nigerian time) marks his participation in this significant global event, where discussions will center around pressing global issues such as sustainable development, food security, and rising geopolitical tensions.
Accompanied by a delegation of key Nigerian ministers, Tinubu was welcomed by Brazilian officials, including Ambassador Breno Costa from the Ministry of External Relations. The Nigerian delegation includes Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and Minister of Art, Tourism, Culture, and Creativity Hannatu Musawa. Also part of the team are Minister of State for Agriculture Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and National Intelligence Agency Director General Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.
This year’s G20 summit, taking place from November 18 to 19, is hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The summit’s theme, “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” highlights global efforts to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. Critical issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and the escalating rivalry between the United States and China will also be discussed.
READ MORE: Debt Burden, Inflation Undermine Nigeria’s Economic Reform Efforts – IMF Report
The Brazilian presidency, which began in December 2023, is focusing on combatting hunger, poverty, and inequality, with the goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030. Lula’s agenda also emphasizes food security as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development. As part of the summit, world leaders will approve agreements aimed at tackling these global challenges, including measures to reduce rising temperatures and redefine global governance.
Tinubu’s participation reflects Nigeria’s commitment to addressing global issues and leveraging international platforms for domestic economic growth. On the sidelines of the summit, the Nigerian president is expected to engage in bilateral meetings to advance Nigeria’s socio-economic reforms and foster deeper global partnerships.
The G20, which includes 19 member countries and the European Union, represents some of the world’s largest economies, such as the United States, China, and Brazil. This year, the African Union is also participating as an invited representative, underscoring Africa’s growing role in shaping global economic policies.
