Nigeria Seeks South Africa’s Backing for G20 and BRICS Membership.

The Nigerian government has formally sought South Africa’s backing for full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).

The appeal was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during her closing remarks at the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Nigeria’s Strategic Goals

Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted Nigeria’s aspiration to assume leadership roles in thematic discussions under South Africa’s presidency of the G20, which commenced on December 1. She also underscored Nigeria’s dedication to fostering peace and stability in Africa, particularly addressing the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

“We are deeply committed to resolving the crisis in Sudan and urge South Africa’s support to accelerate the peace process and de-escalate regional conflicts,” she stated.

She noted that President Bola Tinubu, as a member of the African Union’s ad-hoc mediation committee on Sudan, has prioritized peace initiatives to enhance regional stability.

The minister commended the collaborative efforts of officials from both nations in drafting a communiqué that reflects the outcomes of the ministerial session, which will be presented to Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential session of the BNC.

South Africa’s Response

Dr. Roland Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, acknowledged Nigeria’s requests and pledged to champion Africa’s voice during South Africa’s G20 presidency.

“We value Nigeria’s counsel as we take on this significant responsibility,” Lamola remarked.

He also reiterated both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and improving the lives of their citizens. “South Africa and Nigeria must work together, guided by our shared roots, to uplift our people’s conditions and prospects,” he said.

Nigeria’s BRICS Partnership

In October 2024, Nigeria was designated as a partner country in BRICS, alongside 12 other nations, during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. These partner nations include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

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While these countries have joined as partners, they are not yet full members of the intergovernmental bloc. BRICS, which now includes South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, China, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, accounts for approximately 37% of global GDP, solidifying its role as a critical driver of global economic growth.

This development underscores Nigeria’s ambitions to deepen its engagement with global economic and political platforms while fostering closer cooperation with South Africa.