Nigeria has formally sought South Africa’s backing to join the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank.
The request was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town.
BRICS nations currently account for approximately 37% of global GDP and are recognized as a significant engine of global economic growth. The group was originally formed by four countries: Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined the group in 2010, leading to the rebranding of the organisation to BRICS.
During the 2023 BRICS summit, six additional countries — Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — were invited to join.
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At the G20 summit in September 2023, President Bola Tinubu, while presenting Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy, market and democracy, said the group was incomplete without Nigeria.
Also, in October this year, Nigeria joined BRICS as a partner country, alongside 12 other nations. These 12 countries were added as partner countries and not full members.
As South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized Nigeria’s interest in taking leadership roles in discussions under South Africa’s presidency.
South Africa, a key member of BRICS and the only African nation in the G20, has welcomed Nigeria’s request.
The South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Roland Lamola, acknowledged the importance of Nigeria’s inclusion in these global platforms.
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“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” he said. Lamola also stressed the mutual need for collaboration to improve the quality of life for citizens of both nations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to deepen ties with South Africa, particularly in mining, infrastructure, and technology. She proposed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the certification and competitiveness of Nigerian mining professionals.
