President Bola Tinubu has touched down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take part in the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20). His arrival late Sunday at 11:03 p.m. local time (3:03 a.m. Nigerian time on Monday) marks Nigeria’s active participation in global discussions shaping the planet’s future. Tinubu was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Breno Costa from Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations.
The President’s entourage includes key members of his administration:
- Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development
- Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Tourism, Culture, and Creativity
- Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security
- Mohammed Mohammed, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency
Summit Theme and Priorities
The 2024 G20 Summit is hosted by Brazilian President Lula da Silva under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” It will explore sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, and seek to reform global governance systems. Topics on the table include climate change, the digital economy, and pressing geopolitical tensions like the Israel-Hamas conflict and the rivalry between the U.S. and China.
Brazil’s presidency has also highlighted the need to combat hunger, poverty, and inequality, emphasizing global food security as a priority. The summit aims to drive international agreements and present actionable solutions to these challenges.
What Happens at the G20 Summit?
The annual G20 Summit serves as the culmination of a year’s work involving Ministerial Meetings, Working Groups, and specialized Engagement Groups. Leaders approve the negotiated agreements and outline pathways to address global challenges. This year, representatives from the African Union and the European Union were invited alongside 19 member nations such as the U.S., China, Germany, India, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia.
The summit is scheduled for November 18–19, where Tinubu is also set to participate in bilateral talks. These discussions are expected to align with Nigeria’s domestic socio-economic reforms, further strengthening its global partnerships.
Background on the G20 Presidency
Brazil assumed the G20 presidency in December 2023, with President Lula da Silva prioritizing sustainable development and food security. He aims to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030, setting ambitious goals that resonate with developing nations like Nigeria. Brazilian Ambassador Carlos Areias had earlier conveyed Da Silva’s invitation to President Tinubu during an official meeting in August 2024.
This summit presents an opportunity for Nigeria to make its voice heard on key global issues while aligning with strategic partners to address pressing domestic challenges like poverty and food insecurity.
