Nigeria is looking to expand its influence on the global stage by seeking South Africa’s support for its bid to become a full member of the G20 and BRICS. The request was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the closing of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, South Africa.
This comes shortly after South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20 on December 1, a group that includes the world’s biggest economies. South Africa is also a key member of BRICS, which brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Together, BRICS nations account for roughly 37% of global GDP and are seen as a driving force in the global economy.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted Nigeria’s eagerness to take on leadership roles in the G20 under South Africa’s presidency, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to fostering peace in Africa, particularly 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.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is part of the African Union’s mediation efforts in Sudan, is focused on finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Both nations also worked on a joint communiqué, which will be shared with Presidents Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa during the upcoming presidential session of the BNC. This document will reflect the collaborative efforts made during the meeting.
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.
In a significant step in October 2024, Nigeria officially joined BRICS as a partner country, strengthening its ties with the bloc and increasing its role in the global economy.
“Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to work more closely together to improve their conditions and prospects,” he added.
