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Reform Global Institutions To Reflect Today’s Economic Realities, Nigeria Tells BRICS
Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria wants BRICS cooperation to create jobs, expand trade and transfer technology.
On Sunday, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, calling for urgent reforms to global governance structures and international financial institutions.
Joining the group as a partner last year, Nigeria seeks to leverage its status, with Shettima urging member states to view it "as a gateway to Africa's expanding market" under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Emphasizing that "a nation that owns no technology risks renting its future," Shettima requested partnerships in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital public infrastructure through initiatives like Project BRIDGE.
With a population of 250 million and an average age of 16.9, Shettima championed local value addition, technology transfer, and job creation to transition Africa from global margins to growth frontiers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that BRICS' strength lies in diverse cooperation, stressing that sustainability must remain central to the bloc's efforts while expanding participation to entrepreneurs and young people.