Nigeria has officially joined BRICS as a partner country, joining 12 other nations in a move to strengthen its economic ties with the influential intergovernmental bloc. The announcement was made during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, held between October 22 to 24, 2024. This inclusion follows a remarkable increase in foreign capital inflows from BRICS nations, which surged by 189% in the first half of 2024. The total reached $1.27 billion, a significant rise from $438.72 million in the same period in 2023.
The 12 other nations joining BRICS as partner countries include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. It is important to note that these countries, including Nigeria, are classified as partner countries rather than full members.
A post on X (formerly Twitter) from the BRICS bloc confirmed the addition, stating, “BRICS officially adds 13 new nations to the alliance as partner countries (not full members).”
Earlier in January 2024, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates were granted full membership and participated in their first summit as full members at this year’s gathering.
Originally established as BRIC by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, the group became BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010. The organization aims to foster trade, investment, development, security, and cooperation among leading emerging market economies.
The 2024 summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” marks the bloc's sixteenth annual gathering, focusing on deepening economic integration with key emerging nations.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the development, stating, “Yes. It is true that Nigeria joined BRICS as a partner.”
Nigeria’s inclusion aligns with previous statements made by Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar in November 2023, where he expressed the country’s aspiration to join BRICS as a full member within two years. Tuggar emphasized Nigeria's robust economy and large population as key criteria for membership in influential groups like BRICS and the G20.
In the past, Nigeria has shown interest in BRICS. In September, Tuggar reiterated the country's intention to apply for membership “at the right time,” indicating that the Bola Tinubu administration is keen on strengthening Nigeria's role within the bloc.
