Nigeria has officially joined BRICS, the intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which focuses on fostering economic and geopolitical cooperation among its members.
The Brazilian government confirmed Nigeria’s inclusion in a statement published on its website on Friday. Nigeria is now the ninth partner country of BRICS, alongside 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 that Nigeria shares common interests with BRICS, including fostering stronger ties among countries in the Global South and advocating for reforms in international organizations.
It is worth noting that at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, the decision was made to establish a new partner-country category. Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were the first nations to join this category.
Indonesia was initially included as a BRICS partner country. However, on January 6, 2025, Brazil announced that Indonesia had been elevated to the status of a full BRICS member.
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