President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to establishing global ethical guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI), stressing that technological advancement must continue to serve humanity and promote fairness in global development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the President’s address during the Third Session of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. The session was themed “A Fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence.”
AI Should Create Jobs, Not Inequality — Tinubu
Tinubu acknowledged AI’s ability to accelerate development but warned that without proper oversight, it could widen global disparities.
“Nigeria supports the creation of global ethical standards for AI that uphold safety, transparency and equity,” he noted.
“AI must become a tool for empowerment, not exclusion; for job creation, not displacement.”
He called on the G20 to deepen cooperation between advanced and developing economies, and to strengthen public-private partnerships to ensure that technology benefits everyone.
Tinubu also urged the bloc to confront systemic bias and promote sustained global dialogue to ensure AI’s opportunities and risks are managed fairly.
Africa Must Benefit From Its Critical Minerals
On the subject of Africa’s mineral wealth, Tinubu said the continent must break away from exporting unprocessed raw materials while others capture the real economic value.
“Nigeria calls for a global framework that promotes value addition at the source, supports local beneficiation, and ensures that host communities are not left behind.”
He emphasised the need for ethical mining practices and equitable distribution of mineral revenues to promote shared prosperity across Africa.
Nigeria Expanding Digital Skills Under Renewed Hope Agenda
Tinubu highlighted investments in digital skills training, vocational education, and youth empowerment aimed at preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the shifting landscape of global employment.
“Decent work is the anchor that makes these transitions fair, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.
“It ensures every citizen has the opportunity to contribute and thrive
Tinubu Seeks Overhaul of Global Financial Architecture
Tinubu also spoke on the need to modernise global financial systems, arguing that many structures guiding international trade and finance were designed for an outdated world.
“For trade to be truly inclusive, the G20 must take bold and deliberate steps towards reforming the international financial architecture.”
He maintained that only a fairer, more adaptive financial system can effectively manage global capital flows, address recurring debt challenges, and support emerging economies, particularly in the Global South.
Tinubu Seeks Overhaul of Global Financial Architecture
Tinubu also spoke on the need to modernise global financial systems, arguing that many structures guiding international trade and finance were designed for an outdated world.
“For trade to be truly inclusive, the G20 must take bold and deliberate steps towards reforming the international financial architecture.”
He maintained that only a fairer, more adaptive financial system can effectively manage global capital flows, address recurring debt challenges, and support emerging economies, particularly in the Global South.
