Nigeria Joins as BRICS Partner, Strengthening Global Economic Ties

Nigeria has officially become a BRICS partner, marking a significant step in boosting economic collaboration with emerging global economies.

According to Brazil, the current rotating president of BRICS, Nigeria has officially joined the wider group of BRICS partner states. As Africa’s fourth-largest economy and the world’s sixth-most populous nation with a population exceeding 228 million people, this marks an important development for the country.

On Friday, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry announced that Nigeria has joined as the ninth official partner of BRICS, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan.

The Brazilian government, while holding the pro tempore presidency of BRICS, announced today, January 17, 2025, that Nigeria has been formally admitted as a partner country in the group,” stated the ministry.

The Brazilian government commended Nigeria for its “shared interests with other BRICS members” and its “proactive contribution to enhancing South-South cooperation and reforming global governance.”

BRICS was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa became a member in 2011. Initially intended as a platform for mutual investment and financial stability, the group has broadened its scope to address issues of security and global governance.

In 2024, the bloc granted full membership to Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. By January 2025, Indonesia—ranked as the world’s fourth most populous nation with more than 270 million inhabitants—also achieved full BRICS membership.

The BRICS summit held in October, hosted by Russia in Kazan, approved the new ‘partner country’ status. This designation is meant to act as an alternative to full membership after over 30 countries applied to join the organization.