BRICS: Tinubu Seeks Reform of UN, Global Financial System

President Bola Tinubu has called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations and the global financial system, urging international institutions to become more representative, equitable and responsive to the realities of today’s world.

Tinubu made the call at the 2026 BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, in an address delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The President argued that the existing global governance architecture no longer adequately reflects changes in the global economy, demographics and geopolitical realities.

He called for reforms that would give developing countries, particularly African nations, greater representation and influence in international decision-making.

Tinubu’s position is consistent with Nigeria’s longstanding demand for stronger African representation in global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council.

He also called for reforms to the international financial system to ensure that developing economies have greater access to development financing and a stronger voice in institutions responsible for global economic governance.

The BRICS summit placed significant emphasis on reforming global institutions, with member countries calling for a more inclusive and representative international order.

The New Delhi Declaration reaffirmed support for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to increase the representation of developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

BRICS leaders also called for reforms of the Bretton Woods institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, arguing that their governance structures should better reflect the changing weight of emerging and developing economies.

Nigeria has participated in the BRICS process as a partner country since January 2025, using the platform to deepen South-South cooperation and pursue opportunities in trade, investment, development finance and global governance reform.

Tinubu’s intervention also reinforces Nigeria’s broader diplomatic push for changes to the global system that would give African countries a greater role in shaping international economic and political decisions.

The President has previously argued that Africa should have a stronger voice in determining the rules governing global finance, trade and development.

The call comes as developing countries continue to push for changes to international institutions, citing concerns over unequal representation, access to financing and the ability of existing structures to respond effectively to emerging global challenges.

Nigeria is expected to continue using its BRICS partnership and other multilateral platforms to advocate for reforms that advance African interests and strengthen the voice of developing economies.