Nigeria joins BRICS as partner, boosting group's influence
Nigeria has officially joined BRICS as a partner country. This aligns with the group's strategy to increase its influence, particularly in opposing the G7 countries, with Russia playing a key role in this process.
Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading the BRICS at present, announced Nigeria's new status as an official partner. This 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," states the announcement on the Brazil Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.
BRICS gains momentum
Nigeria has been officially recognized as a BRICS partner country, joining other nations such as Belarus, Cuba, and Uzbekistan, as reported by "Kommersant". A partnership does not equate to full membership, but it is a significant step in that direction. It allows Nigeria to participate in the group's activities, even if all formal criteria are not met.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the sixth in the world, is actively enhancing its cooperation with Global South countries. Shared interests with other BRICS members facilitated its integration into this group. Nigeria is the ninth country to achieve BRICS partner status, accompanying nations like 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, particularly as opposed to the G7 countries. Russia plays a pivotal role, aiming to reshape the global economic structure in favour of developing countries.
During the October summit in Kazan, Vietnam, Algeria, and Turkey were also mentioned as BRICS partners. Other African nations like Algeria and Uganda are joining BRICS, boosting the group's significance in the region. While this expansion might introduce new tensions, it also presents opportunities to strengthen the economies of member countries in a global context.
The growth of BRICS over the years highlights the group's ambitions in creating an alternative currency system. The target is to reduce dependence on dominant world currencies, which will gain further importance in early 2025, when an additional nine countries join the bloc.
