By Ochiaka Ugwu
Nigeria has accepted to join BRICS as a partner country based on the invitation extended to it by member nations.
In a statement released Saturday in Abuja by Acting Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, it noted that Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country.
It stated that the formal acceptance to participate as a partner country underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives.
According to the statement, “BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries.
“Nigeria is poised to leverage this platform to advance shared goals in trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change.
“This partnership also aligns with our national aspirations for inclusive growth, regional integration, and active participation in shaping a fair and equitable global economic order in line with our ethos of strategic autonomy.
“Nigeria looks forward to engaging constructively with BRICS members to drive innovation, foster people-to-people exchanges in line with our national interests and strategic priorities” it noted.
In a related development, Nigeria and Egypt have elevated relationship to Comprehensive partnership which includes Visa waiver for diplomats.
In a statement released in Abuja Sunday, signed by SA Media and Communications Strategy to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, it informed the Minister of Foreign Minister, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has visited Cairo, Egypt, to participate in the third round of political consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty where Ministers agreed to elevate the relationship between the two nations to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” emphasizing mutual respect for each nation’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
According to the statement, “The Minister of Water Resources Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev and Abubakar Kyari the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security were part of Nigeria’s delegation.
“Both countries have also committed to intensify coordination on regional and international issues, aiming to strengthen the African Union’s role in addressing continental challenges and promoting integration.
“They also pledged to work together to advance democracy, good governance, and the objectives of Agenda 2063.
“While recognizing the shared threat of terrorism and extremism, Egypt and Nigeria agreed to enhance security cooperation by sharing experiences in implementing comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.
“They also expressed a commitment to supporting conflict resolution in Africa through peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives.
“The ministers acknowledged the potential for increased bilateral economic engagement and agreed to encourage both governmental and private sector participation in areas such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure.
“They also discussed plans to establish a Nigeria-Egypt Chamber of Commerce by the end of 2025, with a formal launch anticipated during the fourth round of ministerial-level consultations in Abuja in 2026.
“Additionally, the ministers commended recent agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and the adjustment of visa fees for citizens of both countries, reflecting a mutual commitment to facilitating easier movement and stronger people-to-people connections” the statement concluded.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
