Nigeria has officially joined BRICS as a partner country, marking a significant turn in its foreign policy and global economic strategy. The announcement, made on January 17, 2025, by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, highlights Nigeria’s growing role in fostering South-South cooperation and advocating for reforms in global governance.
“In its capacity as the pro tempore presidency of BRICS, the Brazilian government announces today, January 17, 2025, the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of the grouping. The Brazilian government welcomes the Nigerian government’s decision,” the statement read.
This development elevates Nigeria to a prominent position within BRICS, originally an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, a coalition of leading emerging economies. Nigeria joins eight other partner countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The partner-country category was created during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024, reflecting the bloc’s strategy to expand its influence and cooperation.
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BRICS has evolved into a formidable coalition aiming to reshape global economic and political power structures. Formed in 2009, the bloc has grown in stature, particularly as a counterweight to Western dominance, often characterized by U.S.-led sanctions and financial systems reliant on the dollar.
Following sanctions leveled on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, BRICS has ramped up its efforts to stand up to what it perceives as Western overreach. The bloc’s leaders have been working on creating alternative payment systems to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, which they argue has been weaponized to control global financial flows. These measures aim to provide economic stability and reduce vulnerabilities for member nations.
Recent expansions, including the admission of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE in 2024, have signaled the bloc’s growing influence in energy markets and geopolitics. The group now accounts for approximately 37% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and more than 40% of the global population, underlining its potential to challenge existing global power dynamics.
A Potential Tension with Trump
While the Biden administration has appeared largely indifferent to BRICS’ expansions, viewing the bloc as a loose coalition of developing nations, analysts predict a more confrontational stance under the upcoming Trump administration. President-elect Donald Trump has already threatened to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS nations should they take steps to undermine the dollar. This sets the stage for a possible faceoff between the U.S. and BRICS, as the bloc continues to explore alternatives to Western-dominated financial systems.
Trump’s return to office could intensify scrutiny of Nigeria’s decision to join BRICS, as Washington may perceive the move as aligning with nations challenging U.S. hegemony.
Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Shift from Non-Aligned Status?
Nigeria’s decision to join BRICS is seen by many as a departure from its traditional policy of non-alignment. Historically, Nigeria has sought to maintain balanced relations with global powers, avoiding overt alignment with blocs or coalitions that might polarize its diplomatic stance.
By joining BRICS, Nigeria risks being perceived as aligning with an anti-Western bloc, which could complicate its relations with Western allies. This decision also comes at a time when Nigeria is pursuing membership in other multilateral institutions, such as the G20 and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for Nigeria’s presidency, highlighted the bloc’s growing importance, stating that BRICS has been a significant driver of global economic growth and a platform for addressing inequities in international governance. However, critics argue that Nigeria’s involvement could limit its flexibility in navigating global politics.
However, many believe that joining BRICS offers Nigeria significant economic and diplomatic opportunities. It is believed that as Africa’s largest economy and the world’s sixth-most populous nation, Nigeria is well-positioned to benefit from enhanced trade, investment, and collaboration with BRICS nations.
The partnership is also seen as a platform for Nigeria to amplify its voice on global issues such as financial governance, climate change, and equitable trade policies.
BRICS has increasingly positioned itself as a champion of the Global South, advocating for reforms in international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. The bloc’s initiatives, including the development of an alternative reserve currency and payment systems independent of the dollar, aim to create a more balanced global financial system.
Analysts argue that these efforts resonate with countries like Nigeria, which face economic challenges exacerbated by the dominance of Western-led institutions. However, the bloc’s ability to implement these changes remains uncertain, particularly amid geopolitical tensions and internal differences among member states.