Nigeria Seeks South Africa’s Support for G20 and BRICS Membership Bid

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

These appeals were presented by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, during her closing remarks at the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, South Africa.

The request coincides with South Africa’s recent assumption of the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) on December 1, a platform representing the world’s largest economies.

South Africa is a prominent member of the expanded BRICS bloc, which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Together, these nations account for approximately 37% of global GDP and are acknowledged as a critical driver of global economic growth.

In her remarks, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored Nigeria’s aspiration to participate actively in meaningful deliberations under South Africa’s G20 presidency.

She also reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to promoting peace and stability across the African continent, with a particular focus on resolving the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

“We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan. In this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to accelerate the peace process and ensure that conflicts within our region are de-escalated,” she said.

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the crisis in Sudan as part of his role on the African Union’s ad-hoc mediation committee. She noted that the president has made resolving the conflict a priority to promote peace and stability in the region.

Ojukwu also commended officials from both Nigeria and South Africa for their collaborative efforts in crafting a communiqué that encapsulates the outcomes of the ministerial session. The finalized draft will be presented to Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa during the presidential session of the Bi-National Commission.

Dr. Roland Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation said;

“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” Lamola stated.

South African Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirmed the shared commitment between Nigeria and South Africa to bolster bilateral relations. He emphasized the joint responsibility of both nations to work towards enhancing the quality of life for their citizens, reflecting the spirit of partnership that underscores their collaboration.

“Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to work more closely together to improve their conditions and prospects,” he added.

In October 2024, Nigeria officially joined BRICS as a partner country, alongside 12 other nations, marking a significant step in deepening its economic ties with the intergovernmental bloc.

The announcement was made during the 2024 BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24.