Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially been admitted into BRICS as a partner country in trade, investment and global economic influence.
The fast-growing global organisation was originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China. A year later, South Africa joined (2010) as they strive to create a counterweight to the G7, which are the seven superpowers and leading industrialized countries globally.

Last year, the BRICS bloc added Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has been invited to join. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied to become members, and a few others have expressed interest.
In an announcement made on the BRICS official X page on January 18, 2025, it was confirmed that Nigeria has now been admitted into the organisation as it becomes the ninth partner country, joining 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,” Brazil’s government said in a statement Friday.
“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.”
According to the BRICS’ statement, Nigeria’s partnership with the group opens up new avenues for trade and investment and offers the country a chance to shape multilateral economic policies.
The move is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s economic position in global markets and provide tangible benefits to its citizens.
Economic benefits for Nigeria from BRICS partnership
According to BRICS, as a partner country, Nigeria gains enhanced access to trade corridors with other BRICS nations, which could boost exports and imports. This is expected to benefit businesses, especially those in export-driven sectors, potentially creating more job opportunities.
Additionally, Nigeria can tap into investment pipelines from BRICS countries, which could help fund critical infrastructure projects and support overall economic development.
A Platform for Nigeria to influence global economic policies
Joining BRICS provides Nigeria with a platform to have a say in shaping the global economic landscape. By aligning with BRICS, Nigeria can influence international economic decisions, advocating for policies that support its national interests.
This partnership also enhances Nigeria’s role in global economic discussions, further strengthening its international economic standing.
Diversifying economic partnerships beyond Western alliances
The partnership with BRICS enables Nigeria to diversify its economic relations, moving beyond traditional Western alliances.
This shift could increase Nigeria’s economic sovereignty by creating new avenues for growth and development.
With access to different resources and networks, Nigeria can reduce reliance on its previous economic partners and build a more diversified strategy.
Trump threats to dismantle BRICS
However, the announcement came on the eve of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, who had threatened last year a 100% tariff increase against BRICS if they acted to undermine the U.S. dollar.
The bloc’s leaders have voiced their commitment to introduce an alternative payment system that would not be dependent on the dollar.
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