Tinubu: Nigeria will leverage G20 alliance to tackle poverty, hunger

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria will leverage the G20 global alliance against hunger and poverty. 

The alliance, championed by Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva, was inaugurated during the opening session of the G20 summit on Monday in Rio de Janeiro.

Tinubu lauded the initiative and described it as pivotal to fighting some of the world’s most significant challenges.

The president spoke at the summit’s opening session, according to a statement issued Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy.

“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today,” Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying.

“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe.

“By fostering collaboration between governments, international organisations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty.”

While inaugurating the alliance, Da Silva said the group was pre-launched in July and has the support of more than 80 countries, federal agencies, and civil society organisations.

The Brazilian president said the goal of the global alliance is to gather funds and knowledge for the implementation of public policies and social technologies, which have proven effective in reducing global hunger and poverty.

He added that throughout the first half of Brazil’s G20 presidency, discussions were held with member countries and other key partners to present the operation, its pillars, and the general lines of governance.

Da Silva also said international financial institutions and national development banks had joined the initiative.

Tinubu said Nigeria is eager to adopt international best practices to advance its economic development.

“These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them,” he said.

“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger.

“The endorsement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens.”

The alliance, which will be autonomous from the rotating presidencies of the G20, will be operated from Brasília, within the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, and from Rome, within the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).