Brazil has officially announced Nigeria’s inclusion as a partner country in the BRICS alliance.
The Brazilian foreign ministry shared the news in a statement on Friday.
“The Brazilian government welcomes the Nigerian government’s decision,” the statement read.
Initially consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the alliance began expanding as more countries expressed interest in joining the group of leading emerging economies.
The partner-country category within the alliance was established at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024.
Reports from the summit indicated that Nigeria had joined as a partner country.
Eche Abu-Obe, the then-spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs, also highlighted Nigeria’s acceptance into the group.
Brazil’s announcement makes Nigeria the ninth partner country in BRICS, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
“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 Brazilian foreign ministry added.
“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 continues to advocate for full membership in the alliance.
