Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, spearheaded by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as a pivotal initiative in the global fight against these pressing issues.
Speaking at the opening session of the 19th G20 Leaders Summit on Monday, Tinubu lauded the Alliance as a bold and visionary move, emphasizing its significance in addressing global hunger and poverty through collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society.
“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today,” Tinubu stated. “The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty.”
Tinubu highlighted the Alliance’s potential to tackle the structural causes of hunger and poverty while addressing immediate needs. He drew parallels between the initiative and Nigeria’s domestic priorities, noting that it aligns with the eight focus areas he outlined at his inauguration 18 months ago.
Tinubu announced Nigeria’s endorsement of the Global Alliance, describing it as a crucial step toward leveraging international cooperation and resources to strengthen the nation’s strategies against hunger and poverty.
“Nigeria’s support for the Alliance reinforces our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger,” Tinubu said.
The President emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to adopt best practices and innovative solutions from the Alliance to accelerate its progress in sustainable development.
Tinubu also used the platform to advocate for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the need for better representation of Africa. He called for the expansion of the Council’s permanent and non-permanent member categories, suggesting that two permanent seats with equal rights be allocated to Africa.
“Nigeria stands ready and willing to serve as a representative of Africa in this capacity,” he said.
The President urged the G20, which recently admitted the African Union as a permanent member, to champion the reform of global governance structures to address longstanding inequities.
Tinubu addressed challenges in the international financial architecture, highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by developing countries due to an inequitable global tax system. He praised Nigeria and other African nations’ efforts at the United Nations to push for a framework convention on tax reforms that would establish a fairer global tax system.
“The current international tax system, largely shaped by the interests of more affluent nations, often leaves developing countries at a disadvantage, especially in taxing digital economies,” he said. “This systemic imbalance hampers sustainable development and economic self-reliance.”
Tinubu concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and the SDG 2030 targets. He called on the G20 to lead efforts to bridge the gap between the Global North and South and to revamp multilateral institutions to foster more inclusive and sustainable development.
“Nigeria is committed to being part of that future through active participation in the G20 and steadfast support for achieving the SDG 2030 targets,” he declared.
The G20 summit continues in Rio de Janeiro, with global leaders addressing critical challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
