Brazil has formally announced Nigeria’s admission as a partner country in the BRICS alliance.
The Brazilian foreign ministry communicated the development in a statement on Friday.
“The Brazilian government welcomes the Nigerian government’s decision,” the statement said.
Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the alliance began to expand after more countries began seeking to join the group of leading emerging economies.
The alliance’s partner-country category was created at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024.
During the summit, reports indicated that Nigeria had joined as a partner country.
Eche Abu-Obe, then-spokepserson of the ministry of foreign affairs, had also touted Nigeria’s acceptance into the league.
Brazil’s announcement makes Nigeria BRICS’ ninth partner country, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
“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,” the Brazilian foreign ministry added.
“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.”
Nigeria has continued to push for full membership in the alliance.
At the G20 summit in New Delhi, India in September 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the group was incomplete without Nigeria as a member.
“Nigeria is poised, willing and able to be a major player in this family of the G20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete,’’ Tinubu said.
