Nigeria, alongside 12 other nations have joined the BRICS bloc as partner countries, enhancing their economic linkages with the intergovernmental alliance.
BRICS, initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2010 to include South Africa.
In 2024, the alliance admitted Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as full members, all of whom participated in the Kazan summit.
The announcement was made during the 16th annual BRICS summit, which took place in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to 24, 2024.
The summit, which had the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” underscored the bloc’s commitment to integrating emerging economies and promoting global economic stability.
A post on X (formerly Twitter) from BRICS on Thursday confirmed the addition, stating, “BRICS officially adds 13 new nations to the alliance as partner countries (not full members).”
The new partner countries include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, verified Nigeria’s partnership, stating, “Yes, it is true that Nigeria joined BRICS as a partner.”
