- Brazil took over BRICS presidency from Russia on January 1
Brazil, which currently holds the rotating presidency of BRICS, announced that Nigeria acquired the status of the group’s partner country.
“The Brazilian government announces today, January 17, 2025, the official accession of Nigeria as a partner country of the group,” the Brazilian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
According to Brazil, BRICS and Nigeria have common interests, as the African nation, like the group, rigorously works to strengthen cooperation among countries of the Global South and calls for reforming international organizations.
Brazil took over BRICS presidency from Russia on January 1.
Nigeria becomes the ninth BRICS 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.”
The partner-country category was introduced during the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan in October 2024.
BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, with South Africa added in 2010, as a counterweight to the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations.
Last year, the 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.
President-elect Donald Trump last year threatened 100% tariffs against BRICS if they act 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.
