Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability within BRICS as the bloc marks 20 years since its founding.
Delivering Nigeria’s statement at the BRICS at 20 Summit in New Delhi, delegation head and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said the summit’s four pillars are “embedded in our national priorities” and reflected in Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS, Africa, and the Global South.
Nigeria highlighted reforms to diversify the economy beyond oil, strengthen agriculture, manufacturing, and services, and maintain stability amid global volatility. Its National Development Plan prioritises food security, energy access, and inclusive growth.
On innovation, Nigeria showcased its growing tech ecosystem, including fintech, digital platforms, and creative industries. The government cited programmes like Digital Literacy for All, the 3 Million Technical Talent scheme, and nationwide innovation hubs, with a target of 70% digital literacy by 2027 and 95% by 2030.
Indian Prime Minister Modi in handshake with Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed in New Delhi
Nigeria also reiterated its role in driving ECOWAS integration through free movement, harmonised trade policies, and collective security. It described BRICS as a vital platform for dialogue on trade, investment, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.
On sustainability, Nigeria reaffirmed commitment to the Paris Agreement and United Nations, UN SDGs. It highlighted the Energy Transition Plan targeting net-zero emissions by 2060, alongside investments in renewables, green finance, and sustainable agriculture.
The delegation said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is guiding Nigeria’s BRICS engagement through economic diversification, subsidy removal, fiscal discipline, and the energy transition plan.
The summit, held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” runs from May 14 to 15 in New Delhi.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
