ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria has officially been welcomed as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc, as confirmed by Brazil, the present chair of the group. BRICS, originally founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, was primarily established as a counterbalance to the dominance of the Group of Seven, which consists of the world’s leading industrialized nations. South Africa was incorporated into BRICS in 2010, further expanding its influence.
In a significant move, last year saw the inclusion of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates into the bloc, demonstrating its commitment to widening its scope and influence. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has been extended an invitation to join the group, indicating a continued expansion of BRICS membership. Notably, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have each submitted formal applications for membership, with additional countries expressing keen interest in becoming part of the influential alliance.
Nigeria’s accession marks the ninth partnership with BRICS, aligning the country with existing partner nations such as Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The decision to include Nigeria was underscored by Brazil’s recognition of the country’s significance, highlighting its status as the continent’s most populous nation and one of Africa’s major economic players. Brazil emphasized the shared interests and priorities among Nigeria and other BRICS members, particularly in fostering South-South cooperation and advocating for global governance reforms, both areas of focus during Brazil’s current presidency.
The announcement of Nigeria’s inclusion in BRICS comes amidst global economic shifts and geopolitical tensions. Notably, the threats made by President-elect Donald Trump last year to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS nations in response to actions perceived as undermining the U.S. dollar underscore the challenges facing the group. In response, BRICS leaders have reaffirmed their dedication to establishing an alternative payment system that is not reliant on the U.S. dollar, signaling their commitment to fostering greater autonomy and resilience in the face of external pressures.
As BRICS continues to evolve and expand its membership, the addition of Nigeria as a partner country underscores the group’s strategic vision and commitment to inclusivity. With a diverse array of nations now part of the bloc, BRICS is poised to play an increasingly influential role in shaping global economic and political dynamics, offering a platform for collaboration and cooperation among emerging economies in an ever-changing world.
