First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described Nigeria as an ideal ally for BRICS nations, stressing that the country is brimming with opportunities for global partnerships.
She stated this on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance. BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
It was originally called “BRIC” (without South Africa) and the term was coined by economist Jim O’Neill to refer to rapidly growing emerging economies expected to have significant influence on the global economy.
BRICS nations cooperate to enhance economic growth, political influence, and security collaboration among member countries. The group represents about 41 per cent of the world’s population and contributes roughly 25 per cent to global GDP.
They hold annual summits and have created financial and development institutions like the New Development Bank to fund projects within member states.
The organisation operates on principles of respect for sovereignty, equality, and mutual benefit for economic and social development Welcoming the delegation, Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women and entrepreneurs.
“Nigeria is a very interesting place that you will find rewarding for partnerships,” she said.
“My office will continue to provide advocacy and encouragement, but the ministries have the statutory responsibilities and budgets to support your mission. My role is to complement, advise, and facilitate.”
Highlighting her personal humanitarian efforts, the First Lady pointed to the Renewed Hope Initiative and other charities she supports, with a focus on women, children, and families.
She recalled dedicating her recent 65th birthday to raising funds for a national library project, while also planning to distribute sanitary towels to rural schoolgirls in Gombe State in the coming days.
Chairperson of the Alliance, Anna Nesterova, commended Senator Tinubu’s leadership, describing her as “an incredible woman who not only changes lives for the better but also paves the way for a prosperous future for the Nigerian people.”
She announced plans to establish a BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Regional Office in Nigeria to serve as a gateway for women entrepreneurs into international markets and a single-window hub for BRICS collaboration.
According to Nesterova, the Alliance’s Common Digital Platform already connects more than 3,000 businesswomen from 60 countries, with 50 Nigerian applications received for its Startups Contest last year.
She further disclosed that the group would donate 1,000 labour and delivery kits to Nigeria in support of maternal health and stronger people-to-people ties.
The Russian delegation comprised senior business leaders and academics, including Ms. Liudmila Shcherbakova of VET PHARM Group, Ms. Natalia Vershinina of United Migration Center, Prof.
Liudmila Popova of Orel State University, and Ms. Anna Meshcheryakova of Third Opinion AI, all of whom expressed readiness to deepen collaboration across sectors.
Following the courtesy visit, the delegation joined government officials at the State House Banquet Hall for a technical session on “Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Exploring Investment Opportunities between Nigeria and Russia.”
In her welcome remarks, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, underscored the strategic significance of the meeting.
“This gathering must go beyond symbolism,” she said. “It should deliver actionable frameworks for cooperation, joint ventures, and lasting networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs.”
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, also emphasised Nigeria’s longstanding ties with Russia, dating back to 1960, covering education, technology, defence, and energy.
“Our partnership provides a firm foundation upon which to build deeper, future-focused economic collaboration,” she noted.
“In Nigeria, women own over 40 per cent of small and medium enterprises and make up nearly 39 per cent of our registered exporters.”
Other speakers at the session included the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, alongside heads of key government agencies.
