Tinubu Arrives in Brazil as BRICS Nations Prepare to Denounce Trump Tariffs

 President Bola Tinubu arrived in Rio de Janeiro on July 4, 2025, to attend the BRICS Summit, where member nations are set to collectively denounce U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff impositions. 

Touching down at Galeão International Airport amidst tight security, Tinubu was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, marking Nigeria’s debut as a partner country following its strategic diplomatic push. The summit, scheduled from July 5 to 7, will see Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside new partners like Nigeria, Egypt, and the UAE, address Trump’s 20% tariff on imports, which threatens $500 billion in global trade. Tinubu, advocating for a balanced approach, plans to propose a $10 billion green energy fund to counter economic disruptions, aligning with Nigeria’s $23 billion external reserves growth since 2023.

The BRICS bloc, representing 40% of the world’s population, aims to finalize a joint statement by July 6, condemning the tariffs as protectionist and calling for WTO mediation. Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s pivot toward emerging economies, with 70% of its $1.5 trillion trade now outside traditional Western partners. 

Protests by 5,000 Brazilian workers outside the summit venue highlight local concerns over rising costs, while Tinubu’s delegation, including Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, will negotiate energy partnerships, targeting a 15% renewable energy boost by 2030. The summit’s outcome could reshape global trade dynamics, with analysts predicting a 10% tariff retaliation if talks fail.