Nigeria joins BRICS as partner, boosting global influence
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, with Russia playing a key role.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, which currently chairs BRICS, announced Nigeria's official partnership with this international organization. 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 recognized as a BRICS partner country, joining nations such as Belarus, Cuba, and Uzbekistan, reports "Kommiersant." 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 sixth in the world, is actively strengthening cooperation with the Global South countries. Shared interests with other BRICS members facilitated its joining the 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 is crucial 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. While this could introduce new tensions, it also offers the opportunity to strengthen members' economies globally.
The expansion of BRICS over the years demonstrates the group's ambitions in creating an alternative currency system. The goal is to achieve independence from dominant world currencies, which will gain importance in early 2025 when another nine countries join the bloc.
