News Agency of Nigeria
African Union Commission mourns Buhari’s passing
Foreign

African Union Commission mourns Buhari’s passing

By Fortune Abang

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Youssouf, has expressed condolences to the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens over former President Muhammadu Buhari’s passing.

Buhari died at the age of 82 on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at a London hospital following a protracted illness.

Youssouf made this known in a statement issued on Sunday by Mr Nuur Sheekh, the Spokesperson of the Chairperson of AUC.

“On behalf of the AUC and the wider African Union family, the Chairperson conveys his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Nigeria.

“To the bereaved family of late President Buhari during this period of national mourning and collective grief.

“President Buhari will be remembered as a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction.

“Throughout his tenure, he remained a committed Pan-Africanist—an advocate for regional integration, good governance and African-led solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.

“He was a steadfast supporter of multilateral cooperation and a tireless champion of peace and stability across Africa,” Youssouf stated.

 The chairperson paid tribute to the life and enduring legacy of the former president, describing him as distinguished statesman.

He saluted his contributions toward the advancement of Africa’s development, unity and voice on the global stage.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Youssouf prayed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

‎Visa row: Nigerian missions continue issuance of 5-year visa to Americans ‎
Foreign

‎Visa row: Nigerian missions continue issuance of 5-year visa to Americans ‎

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani
‎
‎Nigerian missions across the United States have continued issuance of five-year multiple entry visa to Americans.
‎
‎This is contrary to claims of reciprocity by the U.S.,the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
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‎Checks by NAN at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington D.C and consulates in New York and Atlanta showed Nigerian missions had at no time stopped issuing five-year multiple entry visa to Americans,
‎
‎NAN’s interactions with some American business executives and tourists who came to pick up their passports at the Nigerian visa centre showed they were issued five-year multiple entry visas.
‎
‎Interactions with visa applicants who also came to keep interview appointments, showed that Nigerian missions in the United States do not issue three-month single entry visas to Americans.
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‎NAN further reports that the three-month visa is rather a form of “visa on arrival” that allows last-minute travellers without prior visas to urgently travel to Nigeria as is the practice in many countries.
‎
‎NAN”s findings contradicted recent announcements by U.S. authorities regarding its visa policy adjustments against Nigeria, sparking speculations and public anxiety over a perceived diplomatic spat between the two countries.
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‎Senior Nigerian diplomats across the United States firmly reaffirmed that Nigeria remains fully committed to its historic visa protocols and robust bilateral ties with the U.S.
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‎Speaking to NAN, Amb. Samson Itegboje, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to the United States, debunked the claim that Nigeria had reduced visa issuance to single-entry three months for Americans.
‎
‎“There is nothing farther from the truth than the claim that we now issue only three-month single-entry visas to Americans,” Itegboje stated.
‎
‎“As of Friday, July 11, the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington D.C. was still issuing two, three, and five-year multiple entry visas to Americans,” he said.
‎
‎Itegboje said Nigeria had directed the full implementation of a new Nigeria-U.S. Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements, with visa reciprocity policy for United States citizens with effect from March 1, 2023.
‎
‎The agreement included the reciprocity of five-year tourist visa validity for American citizens and extension of visa validity to three years for diplomats and government officials.
‎
‎“We have not received any directive from Abuja to stop or reverse this,” Itegboje stressed.
‎
‎“In fact, the United States recently commended Nigeria for keeping with most of the protocols agreed between our two countries.
‎
‎“Nigeria remains open, generous and respectful of its obligations.
‎
‎” The robust visa regime is a core part of President Bola Tinubu’s Agenda.
‎
‎“This is aimed at deepening economic ties, promoting legitimate travel and projecting Nigeria’s global image as Africa’s top destination for trade, investment and cultural exchange,” he added.
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‎Itegboje commended the Nigerian authorities for their constructive dialogue with the United States, stressing that the approach remained open, deliberate and globally aligned.
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‎Checks from the Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York corroborated Itegboje’s position on the five-year multiple entry visa.
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‎The mission had routinely issued two-year visas to first-time American visitors while frequent tourists and business travellers continued to benefit from three and five-year multiple entry visas.
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‎Amb. Abubakar Jidda, Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, reinforced this clarity, dismissing rumours of a policy reversal by Nigeria.
‎
‎“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja issued a statement referring to reciprocity.
‎
‎” However, the Presidency, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and that of Interior have all offered clarifications,” Jidda said.
‎
‎“The Nigerian Government has not taken any decision to stop the issuance of the five-year multiple entry visa that was agreed with the United States of America.
‎
‎“This issue that the U.S. came up with and in terms of reciprocity, I don’t have a clear explanation for what they are referring to as reciprocity,” he said.
‎
‎The Nigerian envoy noted that there had been some panic among tourists and business executives who needed visas to travel to Nigeria.
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‎Jidda said the Nigerian government remained unwavering in its commitment to the five-year multiple entry visa arrangement previously agreed with the United States.
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‎He said the gesture “is a clear sign of Nigeria’s investor-friendly posture and enduring commitment to strengthen trade and people-to-people ties.”
‎
‎“The administration of President Bola Tinubu has not done anything to reverse that five-year multiple entry visa.
‎
‎“So, at the Consulate of Nigeria in New York , we are still issuing five-year multiple entry visa to U.S. citizens.
‎
‎“There’s no directive from Abuja to reverse the issuance of the five-year multiple entry visa.
‎
‎“This is global best practice. Many countries do it. India, for example.
‎
‎” The e-visa is to support investors and tourists who need to enter Nigeria quickly for genuine business or short stays.
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‎“It complements, not replaces, the multiple entry visa,” the Consul-General stressed
‎
‎In Atlanta, Amb. Auwalu Namadina, the Consul-General of Nigeria, lent further weight to the unified diplomatic position, affirming that the mission had continued to issue five-year multiple entry visa to Americans.
‎
‎He told NAN that ” the Presidency has spoken.
‎
‎” The Foreign Minister and the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have spoken.”
‎
‎He expressed disappointment over the misinformation and spread of fake news regarding the visa issue.
‎
‎“So I think that (government’s position) should suffice for the consumption of Nigerians and that’s what we all say, that’s the position of things.
‎
‎“There is no change. The Federal Government did not send us any message that it (five-year multiple entry visas) should be stopped.
‎
‎“That (alleged reversal of five-year multiple entry visas to Americans) has not been done and I don’t think they (Nigerian authorities) will do that,” he said.
‎
‎Consular officers in all the three Nigerian missions in the United States confirmed that the minimum visa category issued to Americans is a two-year multiple entry visa.
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‎They further noted that Nigerian missions had maintained an exceptionally high visa approval rate for tourists and business executives. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
‎
‎Edited by Mufutau Ojo
‎

Global First Ladies commit to decisive action to boost economic growth
Foreign

Global First Ladies commit to decisive action to boost economic growth

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

First Ladies globally have agreed to collaborate and leverage their influence to promote economic advancement, particularly for women and vulnerable populations.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi as the 3rd Global First Ladies Alliance Academy ended in New York.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd Edition of the Annual Global First Ladies Alliance which started on Tuesday, ended in New York with 18 participants including the Nigeria First Lady, Tinubu and former First Ladies.

At the concluding session of the programme, various speakers acknowledged that there is a strong need for improved collaboration and ties between countries for enhanced economic development.

The participants described the Alliances’ Academy as a movement tasked, due to roles they play as spouses of Heads of Governments around the globe.

The global heads of governments spouses also agreed to foster their leadership positions to drive change across health, development, education and equity.

According to the Co-Founder of the Academy, Nicole Field, the Alliance, which has been in existence for 16 years, offers the First Ladies space to build skills, deepen impacts, and share challenges and victories.

“We need to be innovative and inventive in getting resources for nations. We acknowledge that as First Ladies and indeed individuals, life is not an easy ride. But we are aware that life is full of purpose and promise.

The third day of the Academy also featured talks by the wife of former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Sarah on enhancing the early child education, maternal health among others.

She said there must be a global resolve to shape the future now by promoting initiatives that support the youth and their aspirations.

“Across continents, we face a common challenge of a rapidly evolving global landscape. Whether in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, the future is being shaped by technology, innovation, climate change, migration, and new economic paradigms.

“As first partners, we occupy a unique space: we are non-partisan influencers, public advocates, and maternal figures in our national and global communities. With this role comes an opportunity and a moral obligation to lead.

“I have seen first-hand how building mental capacity, reshaping mind-sets, and nurturing self-belief can transform lives.

“As a lifelong educator, my experience has made me realise that our youth are creative, innovative, hardworking and resilient.

“We just need to engage them positively, believe in them and create a conducive environment for them to thrive,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

U.S. entices ‘illegal’ immigrants with free flight, ,000 to self-deport
Foreign

U.S. entices ‘illegal’ immigrants with free flight, $1,000 to self-deport

By Tiamiyu Arobani

The U.S. Government is enticing non-immigrants with no legal status in the country to self-deport themselves so as to enjoy free flight home and receive 1,000 dollars stipend.

Harry Fones, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday.

Fones discussed the updates to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One home mobile application that offers illegal immigrants the opportunity to voluntarily depart the United States.

“What this does is that if you are here in the United States illegally, you can download the CBP home app, you can register on it,” he said.

“And the United States Government will provide you with a free flight home.

“You will also receive a 1,000 dollars stipend that is paid once it’s confirmed that you have departed the United States.”

According to him, people can use it to also register children and the whole family can utilise it with family member getting the benefits.

“So if it’s a family of, let’s say, four, that family would receive a stipend of $4,000,” he said.

“There’s the financial benefit, but there is the benefit that this could help preserve a way for you to come back into the United States in the future.

“Whereas if you are deported, you will not be able to return to this country,” he added.

The U.S. official continued: “we are enforcing the laws of this country. Deportation is a priority of this administration.”

Speaking further on the app, the U.S. official said that it has other benefits too as a major update has been made to make it better streamlined and more user-friendly.

Fone alleged that the app was originally used under the Joe Biden administration to circumnavigate the immigration system and allow immigrants into the U.S. illegally.

“What we have done under the Trump Administration is turn this into an app to help people who are here illegally to return home.

He said many people had latched on to the benefits since May, when the administration started the travel assistance and voluntary self-deportation process and programme.

“But one of the other things that was announced with it is that we are now forgiving failure to depart fines.

“So these are fines for people who have a voluntary departure order that they haven’t honoured.”

Fones said total fines for failure by illegal immigrants to voluntary exit the U.S. could be up to 10, 000 dollars with those who fail to comply with a final removal order could be up to 998 dollars a day.

He said CBP was working with Department of Justice to make it easier and more efficient for the agency to actually administer those fines adding, we’re streamlining the process through a federal rule.

According to him, the CBP home app is a great alternative to deportation by the United States Government.

“So if you use this app, it does deprioritise you from ICE’s (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deportation list.

“And it can also help possibly preserve your ability to come back into the United States legally later.

“If you don’t use this app and you don’t depart the U.S., we are enforcing this nation’s laws when it comes to immigration now, and it could result in a deportation.”

Fone said the agency was improving on the app to make it a easier for people to use, adding that it has continued to expand the benefits for people using it. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Nigeria, UAE partner to boost youth in digital innovation
Foreign

Nigeria, UAE partner to boost youth in digital innovation

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has sealed a landmark partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to equip Nigerian youth with cutting-edge digital skills, entrepreneurial training, and global exposure.

This initiative is designed to foster innovation, enhance job creation, and integrate Nigeria’s youth into the global digital economy.

The move marks a bold step in President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a tech-driven future, as part of wider efforts to empower more than seven million young Nigerians through initiatives like the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).

Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, led a high-level delegation to the UAE, where he met with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to lay the groundwork for a collaborative effort under the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).

Mrs Omolara Esan, Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

“NiYA aims to empower more than seven million young Nigerians with digital literacy, civic leadership, and startup skills.

“We are building bridges between Nigerian youth and global innovation ecosystems.

“Sheraa’s mission aligns perfectly with our goal of unlocking the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our young people,” Olawande said.

“As part of the partnership, Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase from 1–4 September 2025, featuring 300 top-tier Nigerian startups.

“The event, developed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Director-General Dr Inuwa Abdullahi, promises global market access and investment opportunities for emerging Nigerian enterprises.”

On the home front, he said NiYA had already enrolled more than 210,000 participants, and was rolling out Greenhouse Centres in all 774 local government areas to foster skills development, entrepreneurship, and technological access.

“Plans are also underway for a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series, further integrating Nigeria into global innovation circuits such as GITEX Africa.

“The visit also included talks with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.

“Discussions centered on developing collaborative programmes in AI education, BPO, startup incubation, and remote work solutions, domains critical to youth employment and national digital transformation.

“The future belongs to those who innovate. Our mission is to position Nigerian youth as creators, not just consumers, in the global digital economy,” Olawande declared.

He said that the UAE visit underscored the government’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships aimed at equipping Nigerian youth with the tools and networks needed to thrive. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu never stopped 5-year visa for U S. citizens — Presidency ‎
Foreign

Tinubu never stopped 5-year visa for U S. citizens — Presidency ‎

By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎The Presidency says President Bola Tinubu has never stopped issuance of five -year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity.

‎The clarification is contained in a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.

‎He described the reports as false and misleading, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to existing bilateral agreements and diplomatic reciprocity.

‎Onanuga noted that immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu directed that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

‎He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had clarified Nigeria’s position following the U.S. government’s recent adjustment of its non-immigrant visa policy toward Nigerians.

‎The presidential aide said that senior officials would continue engaging with the U.S. to address restrictive policies based on mutual respect and partnership.

‎”We want to reiterate that the U.S. government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy toward Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.

‎”The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting U.S. citizens a five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the U.S. has continued to grant the same to Nigerians,” Onanuga stated.

‎He clarified that 90-day single-entry visas only apply to the newly introduced e-visa category.

‎”This category targets tourists and business visitors who prefer quicker, less cumbersome visa processing.”

‎He said the e-visa replaced the outdated visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and prone to abuse.

‎”The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.”

‎He said the policy aligned with President Tinubu’s agenda to promote trade, tourism, and ease of doing business in Nigeria.

‎He noted that many countries have already adopted similar digital visa processes.

‎In spite of Nigeria offering e-visas to U.S. citizens, Onanuga pointed out the U.S. has yet to reciprocate.

‎He assured that the Tinubu-led administration would continue to dialogue and engage with U.S. authorities to resolve any issues that led to the recent development.

‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. government  in it’s recent revised  visa policy for Nigerian citizens, reduced non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visa categories—such as B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F (student), and J (exchange)—to single-entry, three-month validity.
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‎This marked a sharp departure from the previous two- to five-year multiple-entry visas that Nigerians were eligible to receive.
‎
‎The changes took immediate effect, although existing visas issued before July 8 remain valid until their original expiration.

The U.S. government noted that visa reciprocity was a global standard that undergoes regular review and can be adjusted at any time, including changes in permitted entries and duration of validity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Visa reciprocity: FG urges U.S.to reconsider its decision
Foreign

Visa reciprocity: FG urges U.S.to reconsider its decision

By Fortune Abang
The Federal Government has urged the United States to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy, which now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity.
The call is contained in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Spokesperson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The government expressed concern over the U.S. decision amidst partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities by both countries.
“The attention of government has been drawn to recent decision by the U.S. to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.
“Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.
“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.
“Nigeria notes this restriction places disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.
“Nigeria respectfully urges the U.S. to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities, while acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies,” the government said.
The government said diplomatic engagements are ongoing and that the ministry would remain committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.
NAN reports that in a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity.

The U.S. government noted that visa reciprocity was a global standard that undergoes regular review and can be adjusted at any time, including changes in permitted entries and duration of validity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza
UK unveils digital study, work visas for Nigerians
Foreign

UK unveils digital study, work visas for Nigerians

By Mark Longyen

The UK Government has announced that it will unveil digital eVisas for most Nigerian nationals applying for study or work visas from July 15.

This is contained in a statement by the British High Commission, Abuja, signed by Onyinye Madu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

It explained that under the new system, successful applicants will receive a secure online eVisa instead of a physical visa sticker in their passport.

The statement said that applicants would still need to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, adding that if a vignette is not required, they would obtain their passport same day.

“This marks a significant step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

“Starting from July 15, 2025, most study and work visa applicants will receive a digital eVisa instead of receiving a visa `vignette’ or sticker in their passport.

“Applicants applying as dependents (e.g., spouse or child), and applicants for other visa types (e.g., standard visitor visas), will still receive a visa sticker in their passport,” the statement said.

It further explained that, under the new dispensation, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.

According to the High Commission, applicants who applied before July 15 will continue with the current process, including leaving their passports at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.

It added that once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

“We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport.

“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.

“eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for over six months,” the statement quoted Gill Lever, the Chargé d’Affaires, as saying.

It said that while the change applied only to study and work visa applications for the time being, dependents (spouses or children) and visitor visa applicants will continue to receive a visa vignette.

“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK, or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being.

“Customers with a UKVI Account can use the View and Prove service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England),” the statement added. (NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

U.S. announces visa policy review for Nigeria, others
Foreign

U.S. announces visa policy review for Nigeria, others

By Mark Longyen

The United States (U.S.) Government has announced the review of its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria and other countries.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Embassy, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Titled, “Revised Visa Reciprocity for Nigeria”, the statement explained that the visa policy review, would impact several countries, including Nigeria, and would take effect immediately.

“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

“Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.

“We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process, and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” it said.

It further explained that U.S. visa criteria and standards were designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems, and the standards were based on global technical and security benchmarks.

The embassy urged prospective U.S. visa applicants to view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.

It also said that the U.S. Mission was already working with the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria met the standard criteria, which it enumerated below.

The first standard criteria, the government said, is the “Secure Travel Documents”, by which individual countries are required to issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.

Another standard criteria is that of “Visa Overstay Management”, which requires the implementation of measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.

It also listed “Information Sharing” as one of the standard criteria, which required the sharing of relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.

“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria, and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger.

“We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.

“We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges,” it said.

The U.S. Government, therefore, encouraged Nigerian travelers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.

It assured that United States would remain a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.

“We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” the statement added.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

BRICS Summit: Tinubu urges reforms, more inclusion for Africa 
Foreign

BRICS Summit: Tinubu urges reforms, more inclusion for Africa 

‎By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎President Bola Tinubu has called for urgent reforms to global systems, urging greater inclusion and fairness for Africa and other emerging economies.
‎
‎Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, he advocated for fairer global financial and healthcare structures.
‎
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Monday.
‎‎
‎President Tinubu, invited by Brazilian President Lula da Silva, voiced Nigeria’s support for BRICS’ push toward inclusive, just, and collective global development.
‎
‎Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
‎
‎Tinubu stressed the need for a new global order built on fairness, technology transfer, and affordable financing to empower developing nations to thrive.
‎
‎“The African continent is creating the path through the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall.”
‎
‎”We believe that COP-30 will strengthen our resolve to adopt a strategic approach to achieving a healthy global environment.”
‎
‎”Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare.”
‎
‎”We must be the architects of a future that addresses the specific needs and concerns of youths, who represent 70 per cent of our population in Nigeria.”
‎
‎”Therefore, Nigeria remains guided by our long-term vision, 2050, and nationally determined contribution.”

‎
‎The President affirmed Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate climate action and build environmental resilience through stakeholder engagement and policy reform.
‎
‎”We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions and strengthen urban resilience.”
‎
‎”We also champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework and achieve universal health coverage for all.”
‎
‎‎He noted that environmental degradation, climate crisis, and global healthcare inequalities were shared concerns pertinent to Africa.
‎
‎”Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most.”
‎
‎He also urged BRICS nations to prioritise non-communicable diseases as a core global health concern.
‎
‎”As we approach COP-30 and look to strengthen the global health system, we believe the BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions and resolutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future.”
‎
‎”Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strategic collaboration that translates into sustainable and inclusive development for all.”
‎
President Tinubu attended the summit with Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and Finance Minister, Mr Wale Edun.
‎
‎Brazil, as BRICS chair, formally announced Nigeria’s admission as a partner country on Jan. 17.
‎
‎With its large population and strategic economy, Nigeria shares aligned interests with other BRICS members in driving equitable global progress.
‎
‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BRICS comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE as full members.
‎
‎Nigeria now joins nine other nations as BRICS partner countries, reflecting a broader movement toward global multi polarity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
‎
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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