
In a significant development for international relations, Nigeria has been officially admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This inclusion marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s largest economy, enhancing its role in global economic and political affairs.
The BRICS bloc, established in 2009, has progressively expanded to include emerging economies seeking to create a more balanced global order. Nigeria’s admission as a partner country aligns with this objective, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to incorporating influential nations from the Global South. Brazil, the current chair of BRICS, highlighted Nigeria’s substantial population and economic status in Africa as key factors for its inclusion.
“With the world’s sixth-largest population – and Africa’s largest – as well as being one of the continent’s major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS. It plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and in reforming global governance – issues that are top priorities during Brazil’s current presidency,” Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, known as Itamaraty, said in a statement Friday.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country. The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives. BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria shared, according to Times of India.
For Nigeria, this partnership offers opportunities to bolster trade, investment, and diplomatic relations with BRICS member states. The nation’s inclusion is expected to enhance its influence in international forums and provide access to collaborative initiatives aimed at sustainable development and economic growth. Nigeria becomes the ninth BRICS partner country, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
The expansion of BRICS has elicited varied responses globally. Some Western nations have expressed apprehension regarding the bloc’s growing influence and its potential to challenge the existing international order. In response to BRICS’ commitment to introducing an alternative payment system independent of the U.S. dollar, President-elect Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs against BRICS countries if they pursued actions to undermine the dollar, according to the Associated Press.
As BRICS continues to evolve, the inclusion of Nigeria underscores the bloc’s dedication to fostering a multipolar world order. The partnership is anticipated to facilitate greater economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and collective action on global challenges among member and partner countries.