Brazil confirms Nigeria as BRICS partner country

By Kunle Sanni
Brazil has officially announced Nigeria’s inclusion as a partner country in the BRICS alliance, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s engagement with the group of leading emerging economies.
The Brazilian foreign ministry confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday, saying, “The Brazilian government welcomes the Nigerian government’s decision.”
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been expanding its reach as more nations seek to align with the influential economic bloc. The partner-country category was introduced during the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.
Reports from the summit indicated that Nigeria had been admitted as a partner country, a move later confirmed by Eche Abu-Obe, then-spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Brazil’s announcement makes Nigeria the ninth partner country in the alliance, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic significance, the Brazilian foreign ministry stated, “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. 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’s admission reflects its growing influence on the global stage and its commitment to fostering stronger ties with emerging economies. Meanwhile, the West African nation continues to advocate for full BRICS membership, aiming to deepen its collaboration with the alliance.