President Tinubu Heads to Brazil for G20 Summit, His 31st Foreign Trip as President

President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday to attend the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit, which will take place from November 18 to 19, 2024. The summit will gather leaders from the world’s top 20 economies to discuss critical issues such as global governance reforms, sustainable development, energy transition, and the fight against hunger and poverty.
In a statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that President Tinubu’s participation was at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who currently serves as the President of the G20. Onanuga stated, “The Nigerian leader’s participation is crucial for Nigeria’s continued engagement in global decision-making, particularly as the world tackles challenges that require collective action.”
The gathering will see world leaders, including representatives from the European Union, the African Union, and various multilateral institutions, convene to discuss solutions for global challenges. The theme of this year’s summit, “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” is expected to foster discussions aimed at creating equitable and sustainable growth for all nations.
Tinubu’s involvement in the summit is also significant given Nigeria’s advocacy for the reform of global institutions. The country has consistently pushed for greater representation, including a permanent seat for Africa on the United Nations Security Council. Tinubu has previously expressed the need for global governance structures that better reflect the realities of today’s world. “Nigeria is ready to continue advocating for fairness and inclusivity in global institutions, and this summit provides an opportunity to reaffirm our position,” Onanuga added.
The President will be accompanied by several key officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Ministers of Livestock Development, Art, Tourism, Culture, and Creativity, Hannatu Musawa, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi. Also joining the delegation is the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed. These officials will support the President in discussions that will shape Nigeria’s foreign policy and strategic priorities.
This trip marks Tinubu’s 31st foreign visit since taking office in May 2023. In just 17 months, the President has traveled extensively, including multiple trips to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and several African nations. “My frequent travels reflect Nigeria’s commitment to building stronger diplomatic and economic ties with the rest of the world,” Tinubu said in a statement last year. “I believe in the importance of fostering relationships that will drive growth and progress for Nigeria.”
With more than 267 flight hours logged and over 125 days spent abroad, Tinubu’s international engagements have been central to his administration’s efforts to elevate Nigeria’s global standing. The President’s participation in the G20 summit comes at a time when Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in global conversations on issues like climate change, sustainable energy, and poverty alleviation.
After the summit, President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria, bringing with him insights and strengthened partnerships that will contribute to the nation’s growth and international influence.