Brazil, currently holding the presidency of BRICS for 2025, has officially announced Nigeria as a partner country in the global economic bloc.
In a statement released by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, the country highlighted Nigeria’s importance, citing its population size and economic influence in Africa. “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 statement said.
Brazil emphasized Nigeria’s active efforts to strengthen cooperation among nations in the Global South and its commitment to reforming international organisations. These objectives align with BRICS’ goals during Brazil’s presidency.
Nigeria is now the ninth partner country of BRICS, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The partnership category was introduced at the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.
As a partner country, Nigeria’s collaboration with BRICS is expected to focus on fostering South-South cooperation and addressing global governance reforms.
Brazil assumed the presidency of BRICS from Russia on January 1, 2025, with plans to strengthen ties among member states and partner nations during its leadership.
