President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked world leaders to support fair rules for the global trade of critical minerals and to create strong ethical standards for artificial intelligence. He made this call during the Third Session of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa. The President was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking at the summit themed “A Fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence,” Tinubu said Nigeria and many African countries host some of the world’s most important minerals, but the communities where these resources are found often gain little from them. He explained that minerals should bring growth and real value to the people living around mining areas. This, he said, can only happen when minerals are processed closer to the source rather than exported in raw form.
Tinubu stressed that having natural resources does not guarantee development. Instead, progress depends on fairness, openness, and clear rules that prevent abuse. He said the global community must now push for responsible mining and trade systems that allow local communities to share in the wealth created from their land. According to him, this is not only an economic matter but also a moral duty.
He explained that as the world moves toward cleaner energy and a more digital society, people must remain at the center of these changes. He noted that decent work and fair treatment are key to making the transition both inclusive and sustainable. He said workers should have opportunities to learn new skills and grow as industries change.
The President also spoke about Nigeria’s efforts to equip young people with the skills needed for the future. He pointed to ongoing programs in digital training, vocational skills, and entrepreneurship under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said young Nigerians must be prepared to take part in the new global economy and benefit from modern tools and industries.
On artificial intelligence, Tinubu said the technology has great power to support development, but it must be managed carefully. He warned that without proper rules, AI could deepen inequality instead of reducing it. Nigeria therefore supports the creation of global standards that promote safety, fairness, and openness in the use of AI. He said AI should create opportunities, not remove them, and should serve the good of society.
Tinubu called for strong partnerships between rich and developing nations to support learning, skill-building, and inclusive investments. He said both public and private sectors must work together to make sure that AI helps people rather than harms them. He also urged leaders to take steps to prevent bias, protect human rights, and share the benefits of technology more evenly.
The President went further to call for reforms in the global financial system. He noted that many developing countries still face old structures that limit growth, weaken trade, and push nations into deep debt. He said the current financial rules were built many years ago and no longer match the world’s needs.
Tinubu asked the G20 to lead efforts that will make the system more fair and more responsive. He said developing countries, especially in Africa, must have access to financing that supports long-term growth and stability. He warned that heavy debts continue to slow many countries, creating risks for the entire global economy.
He stressed that Africa cannot reach its goals without enough investment and support to drive its development plans. He urged G20 leaders to take debt issues seriously and support the responsible use of critical minerals as part of inclusive growth.
Tinubu concluded by saying that Africa should not remain a supplier of raw materials but must become a place where value is created. He encouraged leaders to build a future that protects human dignity, promotes shared progress, and gives all nations a fair chance to succeed.
