The government of Brazil on Friday announced that Nigeria has been officially accepted as a partner country in the BRICS multinational bloc.
Brazil, which holds the bloc’s presidency in 2025, said in a statement that the African country has been actively “strengthening cooperation in the Global South and reforming global governance”, which has been a priority to Brazil.
“As the 6th largest population in the world and the 1st on the African continent, as well as one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria has converging interests with the other members of the group,” Brazil Foreign Ministry, known as Itamaraty, said in the statement.
Nigeria joins the BRICS in a status already held by another eight nations primarily in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia.
This development marks a significant milestone for both Nigeria and the BRICS alliance, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
More Engagement
As a partner country, Nigeria will have the opportunity to engage more closely with BRICS members on various economic, political, and development issues.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, is seen as a crucial player in the continent’s development.
Its inclusion in BRICS reflects its growing influence in global affairs and underscores the importance of strengthening South-South cooperation.
BRICS Expanding
With BRICS expanding its outreach to include key emerging economies, Nigeria’s partnership provides an avenue for greater collaboration in trade, infrastructure, technology, and energy sectors.
The move also highlights BRICS’s commitment to inclusivity and global representation, fostering stronger relationships between the Global South and major emerging economies.
Nigeria’s participation is expected to bring new perspectives to the group and enhance collective efforts to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and sustainable development.
The partnership signifies a step toward a more diversified and multipolar global order.
(With inputs from Reuters)
