President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the establishment of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, spearheaded by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga described the movement as a critical initiative to combat two of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Speaking during the opening session of the 19th G20 Leaders Summit on Monday, President Tinubu praised the alliance as a bold and visionary step.
He highlighted its potential to foster collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society in addressing not just immediate needs but also the structural causes of hunger and poverty.
“This initiative underscores Brazil’s leadership in tackling urgent global challenges. It also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations worldwide,” Tinubu said.
He linked the alliance to his administration’s priorities, emphasising Nigeria’s readiness to adopt international best practices to advance its economic development.
The President confirmed Nigeria’s commitment to joining the alliance, noting that the move aligns with the country’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (eradicating poverty) and SDG 2 (achieving zero hunger).
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“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its fight against poverty and hunger. This endorsement underscores Nigeria’s role as a key player in global sustainable development efforts,” Tinubu added.
He also used the G20 platform to advocate for urgent reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He called for the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality, emphasising Africa’s need for two permanent seats with equal rights.
“Africa deserves priority in this process, and Nigeria is ready to represent the continent in this capacity,” Tinubu declared.
He lauded the G20’s decision to admit the African Union as a permanent member, describing it as a forward-looking move that promotes inclusivity and multilateralism.
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The President highlighted systemic inequalities in global governance, particularly in taxation, debt management, and access to capital markets, which hinder development in the Global South.
He pointed to Nigeria’s leadership in championing a United Nations framework for a more equitable global tax system, urging the G20 to address long-standing imbalances in international financial systems.
“These inequities exacerbate issues such as extreme poverty, climate change, and global conflicts. Reforming the international financial architecture is crucial to bridging the gap between the Global North and South,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to active participation in the G20 and achieving the SDG 2030 targets, positioning the country as a proactive player in global development initiatives.