ABUJA, Nigeria -- Nigeria has been admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, according to Brazil, the group’s chair. BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, with South Africa added in 2010, as a counterweight to the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations.

Brics welcomed Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates as new members. Saudi Arabia has also been invited to join. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have formally applied for membership

Nigeria joins BRICS as partner country, strengthening South-South cooperation and reforming global governance with other developing economies.

Nigeria has officially joined BRICS as a partner country. This aligns with the group's strategy of increasing influence, particularly in opposing the G7 countries. Russia plays a significant role in this process.