Nigeria has officially become a member of the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This intergovernmental organization focuses on enhancing economic and geopolitical collaboration among its members.
The Brazilian government confirmed this development in a statement released on its website on Friday, announcing that Nigeria is now the ninth partner country of BRICS, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
The statement read, “In exercising its pro tempore presidency of BRICS, the Brazilian government announces today, January 17, 2025, the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of the grouping.
“The Brazilian government welcomes the Nigerian government’s decision.
“Nigeria becomes the ninth partner country of BRICS, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. This partner-country category was created at the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan in October 2024.
“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 emphasized the shared interests between BRICS and Nigeria, highlighting that Nigeria, similar to the group, is committed to enhancing cooperation among Global South nations and advocates for the reform of international organizations.
At the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, the decision was made to create a category for BRICS partner countries.
The inaugural partners included Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Initially, Indonesia was also identified as a BRICS partner; however, on January 6, Brazil announced that Indonesia has been upgraded to full member status.