Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong call for the reform of global governance, financial, and healthcare systems, describing the current structures as outdated and unjust to low-income and emerging economies, particularly those in Africa.
Speaking at the BRICS Summit, Tinubu told world leaders and policymakers that the global systems in place today were designed for a different era and no longer serve the interests of the modern world.
“The current global governance architecture is no longer fit for purpose,” Tinubu said. “It is imperative that we build financial and healthcare systems that reflect today’s realities—systems that are inclusive and just, especially for Africa and the developing world.”
A Familiar but Urgent Plea
Tinubu’s remarks echoed longstanding frustrations of African and other emerging market leaders who have repeatedly called for fairer treatment in international decision-making platforms. His speech highlighted the urgent need for reforms in institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and even healthcare supply chains, which he said have historically marginalized Africa.
He pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a harsh reminder of global inequality, where African nations were left scrambling for vaccines long after wealthier countries had secured their stockpiles.
“Africa cannot continue to be at the mercy of systems that were never designed to advance our development,” he warned.
The BRICS Platform for Change
The BRICS grouping—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has positioned itself as a counterweight to Western-dominated global institutions. President Tinubu used the platform to advocate for deeper collaboration between BRICS nations and Africa, calling for financial systems that cater to the unique challenges of developing nations.
He stressed the need for easier access to affordable financing for infrastructure and industrial growth, warning that without urgent action, inequality will continue to widen, threatening global stability.
Reflecting on Africa’s Struggles
President Tinubu’s address revived familiar concerns from previous global forums where African leaders have complained about limited representation and influence in bodies like the UN Security Council, World Trade Organization, and major financial institutions.
Political analysts say Tinubu’s intervention reinforces Nigeria’s leadership role in the conversation about Africa’s place in global economic and governance reforms.
“Africa’s resources built many of the world’s industrial economies,” Tinubu said. “It is unjust that we remain on the sidelines during the digital revolution and in access to life-saving healthcare.”
Will the World Listen?
The BRICS Summit this year took place amid growing global interest in creating alternative financial systems and reducing dependency on Western-led institutions and currencies. Discussions included the possibility of creating BRICS-led financial instruments and trade settlements outside the U.S. dollar.
For President Tinubu and other leaders from the Global South, the hope is that such conversations will translate into concrete action.
“If we fail to reform now, we risk deepening the divides that hold back shared prosperity and peace,” Tinubu concluded.
As the summit closed, the world was left to reflect on whether these calls for reform will lead to meaningful change—or remain another missed opportunity to build a fairer global system.
@The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
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