Nigeria is intensifying its campaign to join the BRICS bloc and its New Development Bank (NDB), as well as securing a seat within the G20.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, these moves aim to elevate Nigeria’s global standing and reduce reliance on Western-led financial systems. Tinubu attended the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) session in Cape Town, South Africa, a platform for strengthening economic ties and advancing Nigeria’s BRICS membership aspirations.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transitioning from a partner country to a full-fledged BRICS member.
This aligns with earlier calls by Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tiggar, demonstrating Nigeria’s determination to enhance its influence on the global stage. Membership in BRICS offers significant advantages, including access to economic resources, enhanced diplomatic leverage, and collaboration with nations representing over 85% of global GDP.
A key attraction for Nigeria is the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), which funds infrastructure and sustainable development projects across emerging markets. For Nigeria, joining BRICS could unlock vital resources to address developmental challenges, stimulate economic growth, and reduce dependency on traditional Western financial institutions. The push for BRICS membership reflects Nigeria’s broader strategy to assert itself as a leading voice in Africa and global affairs.
The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission serves as a critical platform to bolster Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts. Enhanced collaboration between Africa’s two largest economies could pave the way for Nigeria’s integration into BRICS while fostering regional and global partnerships. Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s inclusion in BRICS and the G20 underscores a strategic pivot to align with emerging markets, signaling a transformative era for the country’s economic and diplomatic trajectory.
Further Africa
