Nigeria joins BRICS as partner, signaling shift in global ties
Nigeria has officially joined BRICS as a partner country. This aligns with the group's strategy of increasing influence, particularly in opposing the G7 countries. Russia plays a significant role in this process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, which currently holds the BRICS chair, announced that Nigeria has become an official partner of this international organisation. This information was confirmed during the BRICS summit in Kazan in October. "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," reads the statement on the website of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
BRICS gains momentum
Nigeria has been officially recognised as a BRICS partner country, joining nations such as Belarus, Cuba, and Uzbekistan, reports "Kommersant". Partnership does not equate to full membership, but it is a necessary step in that direction. This allows Nigeria to participate in the group's activities, even if the formal criteria are not fully met.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most populous in the world, is actively strengthening cooperation with the Global South countries. Common interests with other BRICS members facilitated its joining this group. Nigeria is the ninth country to gain BRICS partner status, joining countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Russia plays a key role
The inclusion of Nigeria as a BRICS partner aligns with the strategy of increasing the group's influence, especially in opposing the G7 countries. Russia plays a key role in this process, striving to transform the global economic structure to benefit developing countries.
During the October summit in Kazan, Vietnam, Algeria, and Turkey were also mentioned as BRICS partners. Other African countries, such as Algeria and Uganda, are also joining BRICS, increasing the group's significance in the region. This inclusion could introduce new tensions but also offers the opportunity to strengthen members' economies in the global context.
The expansion of BRICS over the years illustrates the group's ambitions in creating an alternative currency system. The aim is independence from dominant world currencies, which will gain importance in early 2025, when another nine countries join the bloc.
