Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the BRICS group, pledging support for its mission to establish a fairer, rules-based international order.
Tuggar made this declaration during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he emphasized Nigeria’s alignment with the bloc’s vision for global financial reform and multilateral cooperation.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, with Nigeria joining as a partner nation in January 2025.
Nigeria’s Role in an Expanding BRICS Bloc
The bloc now represents half of the world’s population and accounts for approximately 40% of global GDP, positioning itself as a significant force in global economic and political discourse.
Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s gratitude to Brazil and BRICS for granting the country Partner Country status, describing it as a step toward a more inclusive global system.
“At a time when global institutions face growing strain, Nigeria stands with BRICS in championing a fairer, rules-based international order. We support reforms in global finance, peace and security, and UN governance,” Tuggar stated.
Addressing Global Challenges Through Multilateralism
Tuggar highlighted the unprecedented challenges facing global institutions, including climate change, governance gaps, public health crises, technological disruptions, and economic instability.
He reiterated Nigeria’s support for Brazil’s 2025 BRICS priorities, which focus on fostering fairness, sustainability, and mutual respect within the multilateral system.
“Nigeria offers a dynamic, youthful population, a strategic market, and strong credentials in peacekeeping and South-South cooperation,” Tuggar added, emphasizing the country’s potential contributions to the bloc’s objectives.
Strengthening Nigeria-Brazil Relations
As part of his engagements in Rio de Janeiro, Tuggar held discussions with the top management of Petrobras, Brazil’s national oil company, to explore strategic energy sector cooperation.
“We also discussed ways to deepen Nigeria-Brazil ties through shared investment opportunities and sustainable economic growth,” he noted.
The BRICS meeting marked the first gathering of its kind since Trump-era policies disrupted the global economy and weakened traditional multilateral institutions like the Group of 20 (G-20).
During the meeting, foreign ministers deliberated on strategies to address tariff upheavals and enhance cooperation among Global South nations.
What you should know
Under Brazil’s yearlong presidency, BRICS foreign ministers will prioritize aggressive climate action, public health cooperation, strengthened trade ties, and a defense of multilateralism.
- Brazilian officials have emphasized that the bloc’s purpose is not to challenge U.S. leadership but to promote the development of emerging economies.
“The view that BRICS is an anti-American bloc is completely wrong,” Brazilian ambassador Mauricio Lyrio stated during a preparatory meeting. “The bloc was created to promote the development of developing countries, not to antagonize rich countries.”
Nevertheless, Brazil’s agenda positions BRICS as a potential bulwark of multilateralism, particularly as Trump’s policies have undermined global institutions.
Since taking office, Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization, gutted foreign aid programs, and raised doubts about American participation in the G-20.
A Vision for Inclusive Global Governance
Nigeria’s inclusion in BRICS reflects its commitment to advocating for reforms in international organizations and strengthening ties among developing nations.
Tuggar’s remarks underline the country’s dedication to multilateralism and sustainable development, aligning with BRICS’ broader mission to reshape global governance frameworks.