By Peter Omopo
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | July 5, 2025 — President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro to attend the 17th BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place from July 6 to 7, 2025.
BRICS — an acronym for the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — is a coalition of leading emerging economies aimed at fostering cooperation among the Global South.
President Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at the Galeão Air Force Base at approximately 8:45 p.m. local time on Friday. Upon arrival, he was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour coordinated by the base commander.
According to a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu was welcomed by Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture.
The visit comes at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As part of his engagements, Tinubu is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Lula on Saturday, July 5, ahead of the main summit proceedings.
The BRICS Summit is expected to focus on strengthening multilateralism, promoting global economic equity, and expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and climate change. President Tinubu’s attendance underscores Nigeria’s growing interest in deeper engagement with emerging economies.
