Nigeria Joins BRICS as a Partner Country

Nigeria has officially acquired the status of a BRICS partner country, according to an announcement by Brazil, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the economic bloc.

“The Brazilian government announces January 17, 2025, the official accession of Nigeria as a partner country of the group,” the Brazilian Foreign Ministry stated.

Brazil emphasized that Nigeria shares common interests with BRICS, particularly in its commitment to strengthening cooperation among Global South nations and advocating for reforms in international organizations. The inclusion of Nigeria marks another step in BRICS’ efforts to expand its influence beyond its founding members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Brazil assumed the BRICS presidency from Russia on January 1, 2025. At the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, held in October 2024, member nations decided to introduce a new category of BRICS partner countries. Prior to Nigeria’s accession, the first countries granted partner status included Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

Indonesia was initially announced as a partner country, but on January 6, 2025, Brazil confirmed that Indonesia had been granted full BRICS membership instead.

With Nigeria now a BRICS partner, the West African nation gains greater access to economic collaboration, trade opportunities, and strategic diplomatic engagements within the bloc. The move also solidifies BRICS’ growing influence in Africa and beyond.