Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Media, shared this information. During an appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Bwala emphasized the economic and developmental benefits that this partnership brings.
“A partner member means that a country can participate in areas of interest with BRICS,” Bwala explained.
“These areas include promoting trade and investment, food security, infrastructural development, and climate change adaptation. These collaborations and partnerships are essential in navigating global economic realities.”
Bwala stressed that Nigeria's role as a partner enables the country to collaborate with BRICS nations on a range of initiatives, extending beyond conventional bilateral agreements.
“The areas of interest are promoting trade and investment, food security because it’s part of what the climate change … food security, infrastructural development, trade and investment, are all part of this collaboration, engagement and partnerships that the global community tend to promote depending on the bloc that you belong to,” he said.
The Special Adviser highlighted several areas where Nigeria is already seeing benefits. In agriculture, for example, Nigeria has benefited from partnerships with Russia, a country known for its strong agricultural systems and food security initiatives.
In the same way, China’s involvement in infrastructure and technology has had a major influence on Nigeria’s development, especially in constructing vital infrastructure and promoting digital innovation.
“In the area of trade and investment, if you see some of the member countries look at China and Russia. Russia in agriculture, we’ve benefitted a lot from them. China, of course, in infrastructure, in tech,” he said.
Bwala also emphasized the significance of food security in Nigeria’s partnership with BRICS. With global climate challenges escalating, BRICS provides a platform for innovative solutions to boost agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices. Nigeria’s increasing collaboration with Russia, a global leader in grain exports, enhances its ability to tackle food shortages and meet domestic needs.
Backstory:
Nigeria officially became a partner country of BRICS last week, as confirmed by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry.
“In its capacity as the pro tempore presidency of BRICS, the Brazilian government announces today, January 17, 2025, the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of the grouping. The Brazilian government welcomes the Nigerian government’s decision.”
With this addition, Nigeria becomes the ninth partner country of BRICS, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The partner-country category was introduced at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024.
