Nigeria Demands Urgent Reform of Global Institutions at BRICS Summit

NEW DELHI — Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Summit on Sunday, called for a fundamental overhaul of the world’s governance and financial architecture to better reflect the economic weight and demographic realities of developing nations.

Addressing leaders gathered in India’s capital under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” Shettima stressed that the transformation sought by the Global South must extend beyond national borders into the international system itself.

“Nigeria supports a more representative, equitable and responsive global governance architecture, including reform of the United Nations Security Council and the international financial system,” he declared. He added that BRICS plays a vital role in amplifying the voice of the Global South and advancing a more inclusive international order consistent with Nigeria’s long-standing demand for institutions that mirror contemporary realities rather than those of the mid-20th century.

The two-day summit, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, brought together leaders from the expanded BRICS membership and partner countries. Nigeria, which joined as a partner nation in 2025, used the platform to push both for systemic reforms and concrete economic partnerships.

Shettima urged the grouping to shift “from dialogue to delivery, from commitments to implementation, and from cooperation to measurable development outcomes.” He positioned Nigeria as a strategic gateway to Africa’s rapidly expanding market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), inviting investors from BRICS nations to seize opportunities across trade, agriculture, food security, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare and critical minerals.

Particular emphasis was placed on partnerships that deliver technology transfer, local value addition, industrial capacity and job creation. The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s focus on digital transformation, including initiatives such as Project BRIDGE, investments in artificial intelligence, digital skills and cybersecurity, arguing that developing countries must move from being mere consumers of technology to owners of intellectual property and innovation.

“A nation that owns no technology risks renting its future,” he warned, underscoring the need for cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech, telecommunications, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.

The call for reform aligns with broader positions expressed in the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the summit, in which BRICS leaders demanded greater representation for developing countries in the United Nations system, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Indian Prime Minister Modi had earlier described the existing global governance structure as a “pyramid of privilege” that must give way to a “platform of partnership,” insisting that the Global South should become a “rule shaper” rather than a “rule follower.”

Shettima’s address also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based trading system. On the sidelines of the summit, he met World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, stressing that no country can prosper in isolation and pledging continued support for the WTO’s role in fostering global cooperation.

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Nigeria’s high-level delegation included Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani, and Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal. The engagement is expected to yield bilateral discussions aimed at deepening trade and investment ties with BRICS members and partners.

As the summit concluded, Nigeria’s message was clear: the Global South seeks not only a stronger voice at the table but tangible results that translate into jobs, technology and sustainable growth for its people.