Nigeria has become a partner country of BRICS, marking a step in its efforts to strengthen international collaboration and economic development.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a statement released by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Saturday.
Joining the bloc offers the country a platform to expand its trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with BRICS member countries.
According to the ministry; the decision underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging opportunities for growth in key areas like energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change.
It noted that partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader aspirations for inclusive growth, regional integration, and a more equitable global economic framework.
The statement reads, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country.”
“The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives.”
FG expressed optimism about engaging with BRICS members to foster innovation, deepen economic ties, and encourage people-to-people exchanges, all while pursuing Nigeria’s national interests and priorities.
The statement added, “Nigeria is 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 aspirations 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 looks forward to engaging constructively with BRICS members to drive innovation, foster people-to-people exchanges in line with our national interests and strategic priorities.”
BRICS was originally an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, and China, it later included South Africa in 2010, thus forming BRICS.
The bloc added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) as full members earlier in 2024.
BRICS aims to promote trade, investment, development, security, and cooperation among leading emerging market economies.