Nigeria said it wants its BRICS partnership to move beyond dialogue and commitments towards practical implementation and measurable development..reports Africa Daily News Desk
Nigeria has called for a stronger and more action-oriented partnership with BRICS, saying cooperation with the grouping presents significant opportunities for investment, technology transfer and human capital development across Africa.
The remarks were made by Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima while delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where India is serving as chair in 2026.
In his address, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Indian government and people for their hospitality and welcomed the vision guiding India’s BRICS chairmanship.
He said the summit’s theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflected the challenges facing developing countries and the collective aspiration for a fairer and more inclusive international order.
Nigeria, according to the speech, approaches its BRICS partnership with the objectives of promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthening South-South partnerships and advancing Africa’s development priorities.
The Nigerian President said resilience for his country meant building an economy capable of withstanding global shocks while creating sustainable opportunities for its population.
He linked the objective to the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to strengthen macroeconomic stability, diversify production, raise productivity, expand infrastructure and human capital, attract private-sector investment and deepen climate resilience.
Nigeria also expressed interest in expanding BRICS cooperation in trade, agriculture, food security, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare and critical minerals.
The country particularly favours partnerships that can facilitate technology transfer, local value addition, industrial capacity and employment, according to the speech.
On digital development, Tinubu highlighted Project BRIDGE, which is aimed at expanding broadband, fibre connectivity and digital public services. He said Nigeria was seeking an open, secure and inclusive digital ecosystem that could advance innovation, digital trade, responsible artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Nigeria also backed BRICS cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech, telecommunications, cybersecurity, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
“Developing countries must produce technology, create knowledge and own intellectual property,” Tinubu said in the address, warning that countries that fail to develop and own technology risk becoming dependent on others.
The Nigerian government also invited BRICS investors to view Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s expanding market, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
With a population of about 250 million people and a relatively young population, Nigeria said it offers significant opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.
Tinubu said Nigeria was investing in digital skills, entrepreneurship, research, artificial intelligence and technology-enabled businesses through initiatives including 3MTT, Project BRIDGE and national AI programmes.
On climate and sustainability, Nigeria called for affordable climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building for Africa, alongside cooperation in renewable energy, gas, clean technologies, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable infrastructure and responsible critical-mineral development.
The speech also called for reforms to the international system, including the United Nations Security Council and the international financial architecture, to make global governance more representative, equitable and responsive to contemporary economic and demographic realities.
Nigeria said it wanted BRICS cooperation to move beyond dialogue and commitments towards implementation and measurable development outcomes.
“BRICS amplifies the voice of the Global South and advances a more inclusive international order,” the speech said, adding that Nigeria was ready to contribute to a partnership capable of withstanding global shocks while promoting shared prosperity and sustainable development.
Tinubu also stressed that Nigeria’s priorities included creating jobs, expanding trade, improving transport and strengthening productive capacity, with the broader objective of helping Africa move from the margins of global development towards the frontiers of global growth and innovation.
