Nigeria Strengthens Global Health Ties at BRICS+ Summit in Brazil

By Pan Afric Reporters Abuja, June 20, 2025

Nigeria has taken a bold step onto the global health diplomacy stage with its participation in the BRICS Ministers of Health Meeting, held for the first time in Brasília, Brazil. The country, recently admitted as a BRICS+ partner, was represented by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako.

This landmark participation underscores growing international confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s strategic importance in global affairs. BRICS+, which now includes influential nations like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Indonesia, represents nearly half of the world’s population and a quarter of its landmass. The bloc has become a powerful platform for advocating reform in global governance and amplifying the voice of the Global South.

During the summit, Nigeria actively engaged in high-level discussions on promoting healthy eating habits and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The meeting culminated in a ministerial declaration that aligns closely with Nigeria’s health priorities — including domestic pharmaceutical production, vaccine manufacturing, digital health integration, data governance, and universal health coverage.

The Nigerian delegation according to a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Deputy Director Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun  used the opportunity to spotlight key health sector reforms and achievements under the Tinubu administration, while also advancing South-South cooperation. Talks were deepened with Brazil on the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, with a potential memorandum of understanding expected during the upcoming visit of Brazil’s Vice President.

In a parallel development, Nigeria initiated discussions with China on addressing power supply challenges in the health sector and boosting development of phytomedicine. Chinese firms are expected to participate in the upcoming National Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector later this year.

The Federal Ministry of Health expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his dynamic international diplomacy, which continues to open new doors of opportunity for Nigeria in global health engagement.