Nigeria has officially joined the BRICS economic bloc as its ninth partner state, according to an announcement from Brazil, the bloc’s current rotating president.
With a population exceeding 228 million, Nigeria is Africa’s fourth-largest economy and the world’s sixth-most populous nation. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday, January 17, 2025, that Nigeria has been formally welcomed as a BRICS partner, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
“In its capacity as the pro tempore president of BRICS, the Brazilian government announces the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of the bloc,” the ministry stated.
Brazil commended Nigeria for its “shared interests with other BRICS members” and its “active efforts in promoting South-South cooperation and advocating for reforms in global governance.”
Established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS expanded in 2011 to include South Africa. Initially focused on mutual investment and financial stability, the group has since broadened its scope to address global governance and security issues.
In 2024, BRICS granted full membership to Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous nation with over 270 million people, became a full member in January 2025.
Nigeria’s new status as a partner country was approved during the BRICS summit in October 2024, hosted in Kazan, Russia. This partnership status provides an alternative to full membership, offering a pathway for nations interested in collaborating with the bloc after over 30 countries applied to join.