Tinubu departs Saint Lucia, arrives Rio de Janeiro

Tinubu, while in Saint Lucia held high-level discussions with the nation’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, and Governor-General, Cyril Errol Charles.

In Brazil, the president will attend the summit at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Olusegun Dada, a presidential aide, said Tinubu will participate in the event because Nigeria is a ‘partner country’- a membership category short of full status.

Dada added, “The Partner status is higher than that of a guest country, as has been the case in the past. South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are African members of BRICS.”