Nigeria Joins BRICS as Partner, Aims for Global Collaboration

On January 17, 2025, Nigeria was officially welcomed as a partner country of BRICS. This step is designed to bolster Nigeria's global economic and diplomatic relationships, promoting trade, infrastructure development, and collaboration on critical issues like energy security and climate change.

On January 17, 2025, Nigeria officially became a partner country of the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This strategic decision aims to strengthen Nigeria's economic and diplomatic relationships with other leading emerging economies. The announcement, made by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, highlighted Nigeria’s important role in boosting South-South cooperation and advocating for reforms in global governance.

Key Details

BRICS Expansion: With Nigeria’s inclusion, BRICS now has nine partner countries, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

Economic Significance: As the largest economy in Africa and the world’s sixth-most populous country, Nigeria's partnership with BRICS is expected to foster enhanced trade, investment, and infrastructure development.

Strategic Objectives: Nigeria aims to use this partnership to tackle issues such as energy security, climate change, and infrastructure development, aligning with BRICS’s mission to promote economic growth and collaboration among emerging markets.

Historical Context
BRICS was established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. Over time, the bloc has expanded to include countries like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, reflecting its increasing influence on global economic matters.

Implications for Nigeria
This partnership gives Nigeria a platform to actively participate in global economic discussions, attract foreign investment, and collaborate on sustainable development projects. Nigeria’s commitment to this partnership underscores its dedication to international cooperation and advancing its development goals.

BRICS: Key Points
Formation: Initially founded as BRIC in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, South Africa joined in 2010, turning it into BRICS.
Purpose: BRICS seeks to promote economic cooperation, trade, and investment among emerging economies, offering an alternative to Western-dominated global institutions.
Member Countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
Economic Influence: Collectively, BRICS countries represent over 40% of the world’s population and about 25% of global GDP.
Expansion: BRICS has expanded to include new partner nations such as Nigeria, Egypt, and the UAE, reflecting its growing global influence.
BRICS Summits: Annual summits address key issues such as economic development, climate change, global governance reforms, and South-South cooperation.
BRICS Bank (New Development Bank): Established in 2014 to finance infrastructure projects in developing countries, with a focus on sustainable development.
Global Governance Reform: BRICS advocates for reforms in organizations like the UN, World Bank, and IMF to better represent emerging economies.
Trade and Investment: The bloc promotes trade among its members, working to reduce dependence on the US dollar in global transactions.
Challenges: Internal differences on political, economic, and strategic issues present obstacles to deeper integration and cooperation.

Fisheries Subsidies and WTO Rules

India is actively working on regulating fisheries subsidies to promote sustainable fishing and protect the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. With the World Trade Organization (WTO) adopting the WTO

US-Turkey Nuclear Energy Deal

In a major nuclear energy deal, Türkiye and the United States officially signed a Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement on September 25, 2025, during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan&rsquo

China K Visa Attracts Young STEM

The introduction of the China K visa in 2025 marks a significant shift in the global competition for science and technology talent. This visa targets foreign professionals in STEM fields, aiming t

India–Australia Organic Trade Deal

India and Australia recently signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products, a landmark development under the broader India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agree

INTERPOL Asian Committee 2025

India was recently elected to the INTERPOL Asian Committee during the 25th Asian Regional Conference held in Singapore. This significant milestone followed a multi-stage voting process and reflect

India Shrimp Tariff Act 2025

The India Shrimp Tariff Act has recently been introduced in the US Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy (Louisiana) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi). This legislation aims to protect Louisiana’

UK France Returns Treaty Explained

The United Kingdom has recently initiated deportations under its new UK-France Returns Treaty, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to managing migration. The first depo

Iran Nuclear Deal Insights

The Iran Nuclear Deal continues to be a significant topic in international diplomacy and current affairs, especially for students preparing for competitive exams like the SSC. Understanding the re

South Korea-US Denuclearization Plan

Amid rising global tensions and regional security concerns, South Korea and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to the Denuclearization Plan of the Korean Peninsula. This move comes

Freedom Edge Exercise 2025

Staying updated with international military exercises is crucial for SSC, UPSC, Defence, and other competitive exams. One of the most important developments in September 2025 was the Freedom Edge