Following the ongoing expansion of the BRICS blocs, Nigeria, the giant of Africa, was recently added to the BRICS partners. Making it the 9th partnering country, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and now Nigeria. This formal acceptance as a partner country not only opens up economic opportunities but also fosters strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives.
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is seen as a potential challenger to the dominance of the US dollar in global oil and gas trade. Thriving for success since its creation in 2009, they have successfully recruited one of the biggest and fastest developing countries in Africa, Nigeria, as one of its partners on January 18, 2025. This poises as a major achievement for the BRICS, making the blocs comprising of over 40% of the global economy and 55% of the world’s population. As part of the two major goals of the BRICS, stated by the current BRICS President, “Strengthening south-south cooperation and reforming global governance”, Nigeria as well as other partners and members in the blocs will give their best in order to make these goals come to fulfillment.
Despite the foreseen success of the partnership, Nigeria’s journey as a BRICS Partner is just beginning. Part of the benefits Nigeria stands to gain from this partnership, the BRICS aims at granting access to high-end technologies to accelerate development in areas like renewable energy, digital infrastructures and space explorations. They ensured the closure of a $1.2 billion deal between Nigeria and a Chinese state-owned company to revamp a key gas processing plant, underscoring the potential of the partnership. The successful advancement of this partnership will depend on the Nigeria government’s ability to leverage on the opportunities presented to them to tackle economic challenges and thrive the Nigeria economy, as the BRICS not only provide high-end technologies but also a unique platform to boost trade, investments and socio-economic ties with other members.
The acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated “Nigeria poised to leverage this platform to advance shared goals in trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology and climate change. This partnership also aligns with our national aspiration for inclusive growth, regional integration, and active participation in shaping a fair and equitable global economic order in line with our ethos of strategic autonomy. Nigeria look forward to engaging constructively with BRICS members to drive innovation, foster people-to-people exchange in line with our national interests and strategic priorities.”
As of today, no official announcements have been made about the addition of more African countries to join the BRICS as full members or partners. However, the ongoing expansion of the bloc indicates that more African nations might consider seeking membership or partnership in the future. The evolving of the global political and economic landscape, along with the growing interest in stronger economic alliances, could motivate more African countries to establish closer ties with BRICS.
MICHAEL KALU
A versatile writer and data analyst combining creativity with strong analytical skills to deliver measurable results. Specializes in crafting audience-driven content—such as articles, scripts, and notifications—that generates global engagement. Skilled in leveraging analytical tools to drive strategic decisions and optimize performance. In a recent role as a writer at LoveWorld E.T.H.S., Lagos, the content attracted a wide, international audience. Additionally, experience as a Press Department Assistant for the Government of Nigeria at the Legislative House of Assembly in Calabar highlights expertise in accurate and effective content dissemination. Brings a strategic, creative approach to enhance communication efforts and amplify content impact.
