At the G20 Summit in Brazil, President Bola Tinubu endorsed the establishment of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative led by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Speaking during the summit’s opening session in Rio de Janeiro, Tinubu praised the alliance as a crucial measure in the global effort to tackle hunger and poverty.
“This visionary initiative reinforces Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time.
“The alliance signifies a united global effort to combat hunger and poverty while sending a strong message of support to the world’s most vulnerable communities,” Tinubu stated.
He highlighted the alliance’s potential to unify governments, international organizations, and civil society, offering a comprehensive strategy to address both immediate needs and long-term causes of hunger and poverty.
Drawing a connection to his own administration’s priorities, Tinubu shared that Nigeria is eager to adopt international best practices in its developmental approach.
He announced Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Alliance, a step that aligns with its national strategy to reduce poverty and promote food security through collaboration and shared resources.
Tinubu emphasized that the alliance supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 1 (no poverty) and SDG 2 (zero hunger), which are integral to Nigeria’s development goals.
“By collaborating with global partners, Nigeria is poised to enhance its anti-poverty and hunger-reduction initiatives,” he said, reaffirming the nation’s role in global sustainable development efforts.
Addressing global governance, Tinubu stressed the urgency of reforming the United Nations Security Council.
He argued that restructuring its permanent and non-permanent membership is essential for inclusivity, especially to reflect Africa’s place in global affairs.
“Africa should be prioritized in this reform, with two permanent seats for the continent. Nigeria is ready to represent Africa’s interests,” he said.
President Tinubu also commended the G20’s recent decision to admit the African Union as a permanent member, an acknowledgement he described as fostering inclusive dialogue to tackle common global challenges.
He further called for reforms in the international financial system, emphasizing the need for a fairer global tax structure that would support developing countries.
Tinubu noted that the current tax framework disproportionately benefits wealthier nations, particularly in digital economies, depriving developing nations of vital revenue.
Highlighting Nigeria’s recent proposal at the United Nations for a framework on fair taxation, Tinubu urged the G20 to support the global South’s call for equitable economic policies.
“Revamping multilateral institutions to balance the needs of the Global North and South is essential.
“The G20 should lead this charge, and Nigeria is committed to supporting these reforms as we work toward achieving the SDG 2030 goals,” he concluded.