{"id":24322,"date":"2025-01-20T18:25:58","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T12:55:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/current-affairs\/2025\/01\/20\/nigeria-joins-brics-a-milestone-in-global-south-collaboration-8293\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T10:32:55","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:32:55","slug":"nigeria-joins-brics-a-milestone-in-global-south-collaboration-8293","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/nigeria-joins-brics-a-milestone-in-global-south-collaboration-8293\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria Joins BRICS: A Milestone in Global South Collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria officially accepted the invitation to become a BRICS Partner Country in January 2025, marking an important development in its international relations and economic diplomacy. The announcement was made during Brazil&#8217;s BRICS presidency, and the Nigerian government formally confirmed its acceptance on 18 January 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This development strengthened the participation of African countries in the BRICS cooperation framework and created new opportunities for Nigeria to engage with major emerging economies. Nigeria is one of Africa&#8217;s largest economies and has significant natural resources, a large population and an important position in international energy markets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, it is important to understand that Nigeria joined BRICS as a <\/span><b>Partner Country, not as a Full Member<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This distinction is important for competitive examinations and international affairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Through this partnership, Nigeria aims to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology and climate action. The decision also reflects the growing importance of South-South cooperation and the demand for greater representation of developing countries in global institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Key Highlights of Nigeria Joining BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following table covers the most important details of Nigeria&#8217;s BRICS partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Particulars<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Details<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Country<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS Status<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Partner Country<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Formal Acceptance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">18 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Announcement<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS Presidency (2025)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Capital<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Abuja<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Largest City<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lagos<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Continent<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Africa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Official Language<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">English<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Currency<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigerian Naira<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">President (2025)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bola Ahmed Tinubu<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Main Objective<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Economic and diplomatic cooperation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important Areas<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trade, investment, energy and infrastructure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Partnership Framework<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS Partner Country Category<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>What is the BRICS Partner Country Status?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS introduced a separate Partner Country category during the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This framework was created to provide countries that are not full members with opportunities to participate in selected BRICS activities and discussions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Partner Countries can participate in certain BRICS meetings and contribute to discussions on international economic and political issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They may also endorse BRICS Summit Declarations, Foreign Ministers&#8217; Joint Declarations and other agreed final documents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, Partner Countries do not have the same status as full members and should not be counted as full members of the grouping.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important features of BRICS Partner Country Status:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It provides an additional framework for international cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Partner Countries can receive invitations to BRICS Summits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They may participate in meetings of BRICS Foreign Ministers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They can be invited to other BRICS meetings through the agreed consultation process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They may endorse certain BRICS declarations and final documents.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Their participation depends on the framework and consensus of BRICS members.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria&#8217;s inclusion under this category created an opportunity for greater engagement with emerging economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Did Nigeria Join BRICS?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria had been strengthening its international partnerships and exploring opportunities for greater economic cooperation with developing countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS offered an important platform for achieving these objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the Russian BRICS presidency, the grouping developed the Partner Country framework following the 2024 Kazan Summit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In January 2025, Nigeria formally accepted the invitation to become a BRICS Partner Country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil, which held the rotating BRICS presidency in 2025, announced the development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation confirmed the government&#8217;s decision on 18 January 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important developments in Nigeria&#8217;s BRICS partnership:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The BRICS Partner Country framework was introduced during the Kazan Summit in October 2024.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Several countries were invited to participate under the new framework.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria received an invitation to become a BRICS Partner Country.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria formally accepted the invitation in January 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil announced Nigeria&#8217;s inclusion in the partnership framework.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria became one of the initial nine BRICS Partner Countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This development expanded BRICS cooperation with African countries and strengthened the group&#8217;s engagement with the Global South.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>List of BRICS Partner Countries<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The first group of BRICS Partner Countries was announced in January 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria was included alongside eight other countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>S. No.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Partner Country<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Belarus<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bolivia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kazakhstan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cuba<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Malaysia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thailand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">7<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uganda<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">8<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uzbekistan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">9<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These countries became part of the initial BRICS Partner Country framework effective from 1 January 2025, with Nigeria formally accepting the invitation in January.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vietnam was subsequently announced as the tenth BRICS Partner Country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important Exam Point:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Nigeria is the ninth country in the initial BRICS Partner Country group announced in January 2025. It is not the 11th full member of BRICS.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is BRICS?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that provides a platform for international political, diplomatic and economic cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The name BRICS represents the initials of its original members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The grouping aims to strengthen cooperation among developing countries and increase their participation in international decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS focuses on economic development, international trade, investment, financial cooperation, sustainable development and reforms in global governance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlike a conventional international organisation, BRICS does not have a constitutive treaty, a permanent secretariat or an independent organisational budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its activities are coordinated through meetings, summits and cooperation among member countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Major objectives of BRICS include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promoting economic cooperation among emerging economies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strengthening international trade and investment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Encouraging sustainable economic development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supporting reforms in international financial institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Increasing the representation of developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promoting cooperation in science and technology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strengthening energy and food security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Encouraging South-South cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promoting multilateralism in international relations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>History and Formation of BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The history of BRICS began with the term BRIC, introduced by economist Jim O&#8217;Neill of Goldman Sachs in 2001.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The term represented four emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India and China.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These countries gradually developed diplomatic and economic cooperation through international meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The first BRIC Summit was held in 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Africa subsequently joined the grouping, and the name changed from BRIC to BRICS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Over time, the grouping expanded its membership and introduced a separate Partner Country framework.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important milestones in BRICS history:<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Year<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Important Development<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2001<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The term BRIC was introduced by Jim O&#8217;Neill<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2006<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRIC cooperation began at the diplomatic level<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First BRIC Summit held in Russia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2010<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Africa&#8217;s admission was agreed upon<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2011<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Africa became a full BRICS member<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2023<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Expansion was announced at the Johannesburg Summit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New full members joined and the Partner Country framework was introduced<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia became a full member and Nigeria joined as a Partner Country<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Why Is Nigeria Important for BRICS?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria&#8217;s inclusion as a Partner Country is important because of its economic position, natural resources, population and strategic importance in Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It provides BRICS with an additional platform for engagement with one of the continent&#8217;s major economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Strengthening African Representation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria is one of the most influential countries in West Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its participation in BRICS activities can strengthen cooperation between African countries and other emerging economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria is also an important member of the African Union and plays a significant role in regional diplomatic and economic discussions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Expanding International Trade<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria has opportunities to strengthen trade relations with BRICS countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important areas of potential cooperation include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Crude oil and natural gas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agricultural products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Industrial manufacturing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infrastructure development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mining and mineral resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Technology and digital services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Transportation and logistics.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Such cooperation can help Nigeria diversify its international economic partnerships.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Energy Security<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria is an important oil and natural gas producer in Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its energy resources create opportunities for cooperation with countries that have large energy markets and advanced energy technologies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS provides a platform to discuss energy investment, infrastructure development and sustainable energy solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> Infrastructure Development<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infrastructure is an important requirement for Nigeria&#8217;s economic development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The country requires investment in transportation, electricity, roads, ports and industrial infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Greater cooperation with emerging economies can create opportunities for investment and technology transfer.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><b> Strengthening the Global South<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria&#8217;s partnership supports the broader objective of strengthening cooperation among developing countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It provides another opportunity for African countries to participate in discussions on international trade, finance and global governance reforms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is the Global South?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Global South is a broad term used for developing and emerging countries, particularly across Africa, Asia and Latin America.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These countries often share common development challenges, including poverty, infrastructure gaps, economic inequality, climate change and limited representation in international decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The concept is not based strictly on geographical location. It is also associated with economic development and the position of countries in the international system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS provides a platform for countries of the Global South to discuss common concerns and strengthen their international cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Major objectives of Global South cooperation include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Improving economic development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Increasing access to international finance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strengthening trade among developing economies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promoting technological development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Addressing climate change.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Improving food and energy security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Increasing representation in global institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Encouraging cooperation between developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria&#8217;s participation as a BRICS Partner Country supports these broader objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Economic Importance of Nigeria<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria is one of Africa&#8217;s major economies and has significant economic potential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its large population, natural resources, energy sector and domestic market make it an important country in regional and international economic discussions.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Economic Indicator<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Important Information<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Country<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Capital<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Abuja<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Largest City<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lagos<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Currency<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigerian Naira<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Central Bank<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Central Bank of Nigeria<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major Natural Resources<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Petroleum, natural gas and solid minerals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important Economic Sectors<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oil and gas, agriculture, services and manufacturing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major Regional Organisation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Continent<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Africa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria&#8217;s participation in BRICS-related activities can support discussions on investment, infrastructure, energy and international trade.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>BRICS and the New Development Bank (NDB)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The New Development Bank is an important financial institution established by BRICS countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was created to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies and developing countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The bank was established in 2014 during the sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, and began operations in 2015.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its major areas of financing include transportation, clean energy, water management and sustainable infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Particulars<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Details<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Name<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New Development Bank<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Abbreviation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">NDB<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Established<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2014<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Headquarters<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shanghai, China<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First President<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">K. V. Kamath<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Founding Members<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Main Objective<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Financing infrastructure and sustainable development<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b>Important:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> BRICS and the New Development Bank are different entities. BRICS is a cooperation grouping, whereas NDB is a multilateral development bank.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria&#8217;s Partner Country status should not automatically be confused with NDB membership.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Major Areas of Cooperation Between Nigeria and BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria&#8217;s partnership creates opportunities for engagement in several important sectors.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Sector<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Potential Area of Cooperation<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trade<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Increasing bilateral and multilateral trade<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Energy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oil, natural gas and renewable energy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infrastructure<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Roads, railways, ports and electricity<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agriculture<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agricultural technology and food security<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Technology<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Digital innovation and knowledge exchange<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Investment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Industrial and private-sector investment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Climate<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Climate action and sustainable development<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Finance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">International financial cooperation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These areas are aligned with Nigeria&#8217;s stated priorities of economic growth, strategic partnerships and inclusive development.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Challenges Faced by BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although BRICS has expanded its cooperation framework, it faces several challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The member countries and partner countries have different political systems, economic structures and international priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These differences can make coordination difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Different Economic Interests<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS countries have different economic structures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some are major energy exporters, while others are manufacturing economies or large consumer markets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a result, their priorities regarding trade, investment and economic policies may differ.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Political Differences<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The countries involved in BRICS cooperation do not always share the same political and diplomatic interests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, India and China have unresolved border-related differences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Such issues can affect cooperation on certain international matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Geopolitical Rivalries<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">International conflicts and regional rivalries can create differences among BRICS participants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These issues may influence discussions on international security, trade and diplomatic cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> Financial System Challenges<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS has discussed increasing the use of local currencies in international trade.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, developing alternative payment arrangements requires strong financial infrastructure, coordination and long-term cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><b> Coordination Among Expanding Participants<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As the number of members and partners increases, organising meetings and reaching common positions can become more complicated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maintaining consensus while respecting different national interests remains an important challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Important Facts About Nigeria and BRICS for Competitive Exams<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following questions and answers are useful for SSC, UPSC, Banking, RRB and State Government examinations.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Question<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Answer<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which country joined BRICS as a Partner Country in January 2025?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When did Nigeria formally accept the invitation?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">18 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which country held the BRICS presidency in 2025?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is Nigeria&#8217;s BRICS status?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Partner Country<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Is Nigeria a full member of BRICS?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How many countries were included in the initial partner group announced in January 2025?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which country announced Nigeria&#8217;s inclusion?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the capital of Nigeria?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Abuja<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the currency of Nigeria?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigerian Naira<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the largest city of Nigeria?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lagos<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On which continent is Nigeria located?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Africa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the full form of BRICS?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Who introduced the term BRIC?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jim O&#8217;Neill<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the term BRIC introduced?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2001<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Where was the first BRIC Summit held?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yekaterinburg, Russia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the first BRIC Summit held?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the BRICS Partner Country framework introduced?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Where was the 16th BRICS Summit held?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kazan, Russia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the New Development Bank headquartered?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shanghai, China<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What does Global South broadly refer to?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Developing and emerging countries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria joining BRICS as a Partner Country in January 2025 represents an important step in its international economic and diplomatic engagement. The partnership creates opportunities for greater cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, technology and sustainable development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria&#8217;s inclusion also strengthens the engagement of African economies with the BRICS cooperation framework and supports the broader objectives of the Global South.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, Nigeria&#8217;s status must be clearly understood. It is a Partner Country and not a full member of BRICS. This distinction is particularly important for students preparing for competitive examinations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall, Nigeria&#8217;s participation reflects the growing importance of South-South cooperation and the efforts of developing countries to achieve greater representation in global economic and political discussions.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This year Nigeria becomes the BRICS member being the second country in Africa to join this important economic and political organization. The current chair of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) grouping announced Nigeria&rsquo;s interests in the grouping, especially on matters of cooperation and changing global order. Nigeria now become a member [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":26043,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24322","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24322"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28998,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24322\/revisions\/28998"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}