Nigeria has been admitted to BRICS as a partner country, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced. Brazil currently holds the presidency of the bloc.
BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, with South Africa joining in 2010. Last year, the bloc expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Nigeria now becomes the ninth partner country, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan in this status.
“With the sixth-largest population in the world and the largest in Africa, as well as one of the continent’s largest economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other BRICS members,” stated the Brazilian government.