The Nigerian government has intensified its efforts to secure membership in BRICS, the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), and the G20, as part of a strategic plan to strengthen its influence on the African continent.

Nigeria last year stated its ambition to join Brics within two years. It is one of 13 countries that were invited to become Brics partner nations at the bloc’s summit in Russia in October. The others are Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Nigeria on Monday sought South Africa’s support for its bid “to attain full membership in the G20, BRICS and the BRICS New Development Bank.” Nigeria is also seeking South Africa’s support for it to assume leadership roles in thematic discussions of interest under South Africa’s G20 presidency.

President Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa's interest to partner with Nigeria in tapping into critical minerals, especially lithium, to facilitate the

South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the Group of 20, a club including the world’s wealthiest nations, on 1 December.

The Nigerian government is seeking South Africa’s backing to attain full membership of the G20, BRICS and the BRICS New Development

Nigeria is seeking the support of South Africa to secure full membership in the G20 and BRICS. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential