President Bola Tinubu has commended the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, spearheaded by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Speaking at the opening session of the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Tinubu described the initiative as a pivotal step in tackling one of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today,” Tinubu said. He lauded the alliance for its comprehensive approach to addressing immediate needs while tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty.
Tinubu noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities and expressed the country’s readiness to adopt international best practices to bolster economic progress. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to the alliance, which he said would enhance efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on eradicating poverty and hunger.
“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to combat poverty and hunger,” Tinubu stated.
Call for UN Security Council Reform
Tinubu also reiterated the need for reforming the United Nations Security Council to ensure it reflects global diversity and inclusivity. He advocated for the allocation of two permanent seats to Africa, with Nigeria ready to represent the continent.
“The Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to better reflect the world’s diversity. Africa deserves priority in this process,” Tinubu said.
Global Governance and Economic Inequities
In a statement delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Tinubu highlighted systemic inequities in global governance, which he said exacerbate issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change. He called for reforms in the international financial architecture and tax systems to address these imbalances.
Tinubu urged the G20 to champion reforms that bridge the gap between the Global North and South, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the SDG 2030 targets through active participation in the G20 and other global efforts.
“This is the path for the future, and one the G20 must champion,” he concluded.
