Russia is set to initiate new shipping line with Nigeria

The service, which is scheduled to begin operations in mid-June, will be operated by Russia's A7 African Cargo Line.

Initially, two 700-TEU container ships will service the route, with future development plans aimed at Senegal, as reported by Sputnik.

According to Maxim Petrov, Russia's Trade Representative in Nigeria, the shipping line would facilitate the sale of Russian agricultural products, machinery, and transportation equipment to Nigeria.

In return, it will allow Russia to purchase cotton from fellow West African state, Mali, a crucial regional product with an annual yield of over 650,000 tons.

Simultaneously, Nigeria and Russia are strengthening military relations.

Russia and Nigeria’s growing ties in 2025 so far

In March 2025, Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-bek Yevkurov and Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, met to explore the extension of the two nations' current defense cooperation.

This military partnership stems from a 2021 deal under which Russia would supply training, logistics, and equipment to the Nigerian military.

Financial relations have also improved. In February 2025, Russia officially added Nigeria to the list of countries eligible for currency trading in its banking system.

Tunisia and Ethiopia were also included, bringing the total number of eligible African countries to seven and further integrating the region into Russia's financial efforts.

The previous list, authorized in September 2023, comprised Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

This inclusion corresponds with Nigeria's admission to the BRICS group of nations as a partner country. Following South Africa, Nigeria became the second African nation and ninth member to achieve BRICS partner status in January 2025.

These initiatives, taken together, provide a picture of Russia and Nigeria's quickly changing relationship, one that is moving beyond rhetoric and into tangible cooperation.

By Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa

Nigeria to appoint ambassadors, 18 months after worldwide recall

Nigeria's government has started vetting potential candidates to lead its more than 100 diplomatic missions, with appointments expected "very soon", 18 months after President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors, sources familiar with the matter said.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist insurgents in West Africa, has operated without ambassadors since September 2023.

The minister of foreign affairs has previously blamed a lack of funds for the delay in naming new diplomats.

A government source told Reuters that the issue "is being resolved" and "that means the appointment will be announced very soon."

Nigeria's security services were conducting background checks on possible appointees and had started sharing their findings with the relevant agencies within the presidency and legislature, an intelligence official told Reuters.

A spokesperson from the presidency referred questions to the foreign affairs ministry, which declined to comment. The sources declined to be named as they are not authorised to speak on the matter.

Since coming to power in May 2023, Tinubu has prioritised fixing Nigeria's struggling economy, with foreign policy taking a back seat, said a former ambassador who served in Africa and the United States.

The government has this year budgeted 302.4 billion naira ($198.30 million) to run its foreign missions.
The former Nigerian ambassador said he was informed by government officials that the issue of the absence of ambassadors in their countries had come up in discussions between Tinubu and some foreign leaders.

"Assurance had been given that they will soon be appointed," said the former ambassador, who declined to be named.

By Ope Adetayo, Reuters

From nuclear deal to military co-operation, Russia continues its push into Nigeria

 

Officials from both countries recently discussed the expansion of a defence pact between Nigeria and Russia.

Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-bek Yevkurov and Chief of Defense Staff of the Nigerian Army Christopher Musa conversed on the subject, as realyed by the Russian embassy.

The embassy further added that both parties seemed pleased with the progress Nigeria and Russia have made regarding military-technical cooperation and discussed plans to deepen the relationship in the area.

Both countries struck an agreement in 2021 for the Russian military to provide training and supplies to its Nigerian counterpart, as seen on Sputnik.

Nigeria and Russia energy deal

Midway into February, Russia and Nigeria got into talks about a nuclear partnership.

The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known during an interview with the Russian newspaper, Sputnik, on the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa.

He disclosed that the West African economic giant and Africa’s largest oil producer is currently negotiating a potential partnership with Russia in nuclear energy and several other areas.

"There are so many opportunities that have been discussed. We have discussed atomic energy, we've discussed mining, we've discussed previous investments during the Soviet era that need to be carried on," the minister revealed.

At the start of the year, Nigeria was accepted as a partner state into the BRICS group of nations, where Russia is a primary stakeholder.

Shortly after, Yusuf Tuggar noted that Nigeria would be bolstering its economic cooperation with other BRICS nations across different sectors.

“The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country [of BRICS] underscores Nigeria's commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria's development objectives,” he stated at the time.

Nigeria’s current membership falls in line with its original goal, as it had stated back in 2023 that it planned to join BRICS within the next 2 years.

By Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa

US to probe past foreign aid to Nigeria, others amid terrorism funding concerns

The United States government has announced plans to investigate how past foreign aid to Nigeria and other countries was spent.

This decision follows President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, directive to suspend all foreign aid for 90 days, citing concerns about global destabilization and the misuse of American resources.

The move is in response to growing demands for a thorough review of funds disbursed through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly in the health sector.

During a hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency last Thursday, US Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, alleged that USAID funds may have indirectly supported terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.

“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money—$697 million annually—plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, and terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,” Perry claimed.

In response to the allegations, the US Mission to Nigeria issued a statement on Tuesday via its official X handle, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that aid funds reach legitimate recipients.

“Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to help verify that U.S. assistance reaches intended recipients.

“The United States condemns the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and the region”, the statement read.

The mission also highlighted that Boko Haram was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013, as part of efforts to freeze the group’s assets, block its fundraising activities, and prosecute its members.

“The United States continues to work with Nigeria and regional partners to counter terrorism,” the statement concluded.

The suspension of aid have sparked concerns among some development agencies, who warn that a prolonged funding freeze could disrupt critical health, education, and humanitarian programs across Africa and beyond.

By Ojochenemi Onje, Business Day

Nigeria seeks to collaborate with India to speed up energy transition

Nigeria is seeking to collaborate with India to accelerate its energy transition plans, a senior Nigerian government official said on Tuesday.

Other than funding, Nigeria plans to seek technical assistance from India to implement its green energy plans, Agbu Kefas, governor of Nigeria's Taraba state, told Reuters on the sidelines of the India Energy Week.

"(The) world is moving towards green energy and we also have to move along. But the challenges we have is the funding to be able to meet up with this," Kefas said.

India is ramping up its non-fossil fuel capacity, planning to connect a record 35 gigawatts of solar and wind energy capacity to its grid during the fiscal year ending March 2025.

Nigeria has already urged the United States to provide it with funding to help Africa's leading oil producer accelerate its energy transition plans.

Kefas said alternative energy is also the solution for communities that have been unable to connect to the national grid.

Nigeria's power grid often suffers from frequent failures due to ageing infrastructure, under-investment and vandalism, resulting in frequent blackouts.

Reuters

Video - Chinese community in Nigeria celebrates in Abuja

Members of the Chinese community in Abuja have joined millions around the world to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year. Festivities to bring in the Year of the Snake featured a colorful display of Chinese cuisine, music, and dance performances for more than 2,000 attendees.

CGTN

Nigeria's new BRICS partner status sparks economic optimism, debate

Nigerian authorities said this week that the nation’s new partnership status with the BRICS bloc could unlock critical opportunities in trade, investment and agriculture.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser told Lagos-based Channels Television that the partnership, which became official Friday, is pivotal to promoting trade, investment, food security, infrastructure development and energy security.

The adviser, Daniel Bwala, said the pact enables Nigeria to forge deeper strategic relationships with BRICS members beyond traditional bilateral partnerships.

BRICS — an acronym for the founding members of Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa added a year later — is a political and economic bloc. BRICS introduced the "partner country” category in October. Partner nations are a step below full membership.

Economist Emeka Okengwu praised the arrangement.

"Look at the members of BRICS and the economies that they bring to the table. Brazil is probably the biggest producer of livestock and its products globally, then to aircraft, aviation and renewable energy,” Okengwu said. “Look at Russia, India, China and South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia. These are big populations.

If you put them together, they probably bring 10 times the value of whatever Europe and America can give to you," he said.

In total, the 10 BRICS member states make up 40% of the global economy and 55% of the global population.

In a statement, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said that the country’s participation in BRICS reflects its commitment to leveraging global economic opportunities to advance national development goals.

Last December, Nigeria intensified efforts to join not only BRICS but also the G20 organization of the world’s major economies and the BRICS New Development Bank.

Okengwu said the partnership will help Nigeria at "being productive, taking goods and services in there, being able to meet global standards and being competitive.”

“It would've been horrible if Nigeria was not in BRICS and then we would've been left hanging with all these challenges we're having with our neighbors in the Sahel," Okengwu said.

Despite the optimism, analysts say Nigeria faces significant hurdles.

The country’s struggling economy and inadequate infrastructure raise concerns about its capacity for meaningful growth through BRICS. There's also concern about how Nigeria will balance its alliances with Western nations while deepening ties with BRICS.

However, Ndu Nwokolo, an economist with Nextier, suggested the challenge is manageable.

"It's about how smart you are to benefit from everybody,” Nwokolo said. “With what we're seeing by some of the pronouncements of [U.S.] President [Donald] Trump, Nigeria may benefit from it because already Trump is talking about increasing taxes [tariffs] even within ally states.

“So, if he's going to do that with countries we think are traditional partners, so who's telling you that he will not do more with countries that he considers outsiders,” he said. “So, we're looking at a situation where countries that are not originally traditional allies of America will try to pull together, and Nigeria may benefit from that.”

By Timothy Obiezu, VOA

Related story: Video - Nigeria joins BRICS as ninth partner country

Video - Nigeria joins BRICS as ninth partner country

Following Uganda’s recent inclusion, Nigeria has officially joined the BRICS alliance as a partner country, strengthening its economic, trade, and geopolitical ties with member countries China, India, Brazil, and Russia.

CGTN

U.S. Donates New Office Space to NDLEA, Boosts Nigeria’s Counter Narcotics Efforts

The United States Government, through the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has donated an office space to the Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.

Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg formally handed over the keys to the new office space to NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retired), during a ceremony attended by representatives from AFRICOM and the DEA.

Acting Consul General Gorg noted that the donation of a new office, equipped with a solar power system, represents a significant step forward in U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation. She noted that the new facility will provide NDLEA officers with a secure and professional environment to carry out critical investigative functions, including processing detainees and conducting post-arrest interviews.

“The U.S.-Nigeria security partnership remains strong. This donation is the latest example of the robust and productive cooperation between the U.S. government and the NDLEA,” Acting Consul General Gorg said. “Over the years, our joint efforts have helped build the capacity of Nigerian authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks, dismantle clandestine meth labs, and conduct advanced forensic analyses of synthetic drugs.”

NDLEA Chairman/CEO Marwa lauded the U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and countering narcotics trafficking. He described the United States as a steadfast ally in Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes and noted that that the collaboration has significantly enhanced the NDLEA’s operational efficiency.

In 2024, the U.S. government invested approximately $500,000 to modernize and equip the chemical forensic laboratory at the NDLEA zonal office in Lagos. The upgraded laboratory, now equipped with cutting-edge technology, enhances the NDLEA’s capacity to analyze suspicious substances and process evidence from crime scenes and suspects.

Since the establishment of the NDLEA in 1990, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has partnered with the agency to combat narcotics trafficking. Through training in intelligence, evidence collection, management, and tactical skills, including equipment donation, the U.S. Mission continues to deepen its cooperation with the NDLEA.

U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria

Video - Analyst highlights key sectors benefiting from China-Nigeria relations

The development of Nigeria-China relations is robust, with multiple sectors recording gains. Analysts project even more benefits in the period ahead.

CGTN

Video - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets Nigerian President Bola Tinubu

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China is prepared to assist Nigeria in accelerating its development initiatives and combating terrorism. President Bola Tinubu, in response, emphasized that the successful implementation of outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing last year will significantly aid Nigeria's national development.

CGTN

Video - General Yakubu Gowon, former Nigerian Head of State, reflects on Jimmy Carter’s death

Speaking to VOA’s Hausa service, General Yakubu Gowon, a former head of state of Nigeria, talks about his experiences with former President Jimmy Carter, who visited the country in the late 1970s to begin his work combatting Guinea worm disease.

VOA

Nigeria reopens embassy in North Korea after nearly four-year pandemic closure

Nigeria has reopened its embassy in Pyongyang after closing the mission in early 2021 due to the pandemic, making it only the second African country with an active foothold in North Korea.

The two countries have continued diplomatic relations in the interim years through the still-open DPRK Embassy in Abuja, though accusations have emerged of attempted weapons trading between the two countries in violation of sanctions.

The Russian Embassy in Pyongyang stated in a Facebook post on Dec. 12 that Patrick Imodu Imologhome is Nigeria’s charge d’affaires and that he had “recently arrived” in Pyongyang.

Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Alexander Matsegora reportedly met Imologhome on Dec. 11 and discussed “current issues concerning the Korean Peninsula.” Matsegora offered to help the Nigerians get resettled in Pyongyang after their extended absence.

The Chinese Embassy also reported that Ambassador Wang Yajun met Imologhome on Dec. 13, though the report only mentioned discussions of China-Nigeria ties.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu appointed Imologhome as charge d’affaires back in April, according to the country’s foreign ministry, but neither side has reported details about an ambassador.

Imologhome previously served as a minister at the Nigerian Embassy to the Vatican.

His arrival ends a closure of the Nigerian Embassy in Pyongyang that lasted about three years and nine months, after the last diplomats left Pyongyang in March 2021. This followed a general exodus of most embassies due to North Korea’s strict COVID-19 rules that forbid inbound travel and restricted imports, leading to shortages and reduced quality of life for diplomats.

Pyongyang didn’t start to allow foreign diplomats back into the country until early 2023. Egypt is the only other African country with an active embassy in North Korea, its charge d’affaires remaining in Pyongyang throughout the pandemic.

North Korea appointed its ambassador to Nigeria, Jon Tong Chol, in early 2018, and he has remained in Abuja throughout the pandemic.

Ambassador Jon has held frequent meetings with Nigerian foreign ministry officials in Abuja in recent years, though most public reports have lacked details about their discussions. He signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in public health in 2020.

Though Nigeria claimed compliance with U.N. sanctions measures requiring all North Korean workers in the country to be expelled by late Dec. 2019, some health workers reportedly did not return home.

Jon also called for increasing parliamentary exchanges during a meeting with the leader of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress party in late 2023.

U.N. Panel of Experts reports in recent years have suggested that Pyongyang has used Nigeria as a staging ground or home base for conducting business in violation of sanctions, including weapons deals.

A Panel report in late 2022 said an unnamed U.N. member state had provided evidence that the DPRK’s Haegumgang Trading Corporation attempted “to broker the sale of approximately $3.5 million worth of military-related equipment to Nigeria.”

North Korea has also reportedly employed the help of a Nigerian influencer to launder illicit funds, while DPRK government-connected companies are alleged to have ignored sanctions to work with Nigerian companies in more money-laundering schemes.

Pyongyang signaled interest in developing economic ties by sending then-vice cabinet premier Ri Ryong Nam to Abuja for high-level talks in 2019.

By Colin Zwirko, NK News

Regional analysts suggest caution as Nigeria signs new deals with France

Political analysts in Nigeria say the country needs to be careful after signing a series of agreements with France during President Bola Tinubu’s three-day visit to the European country last week.

Tinubu’s three-day visit to France was the first official state visit to Paris by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades.

During the visit, Nigeria and France signed two major deals, including a $300 million pact to develop critical infrastructure, renewable energy, transportation, agriculture and health care in Nigeria.

Both nations also signed an agreement to increase food security and develop Nigeria's solid minerals sector.

Tinubu has been trying to attract investments to boost Nigeria's ailing economy. While many praise his latest deals with France, some critics are urging caution.

The deals come as France looks for friends in West Africa following a series of military coups in countries where it formerly had strong ties — Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Ahmed Buhari, a political affairs analyst, criticized the partnership.

"Everybody is trying to look for a new development partner that would seemingly be working in their own interest, but obviously we don't seem to be on the same page,” Buhari said. “We're partnering with France, who [has] been responsible for countries like Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and the likes, and we haven't seen significant developments in those places in the last 100 years."

Abuja-based political analyst Chris Kwaja said France's strained relationships with the Sahelian states do not affect Nigeria.

"That the countries of the Sahel have a fractured relationship with France does not in any way define the future of the Nigeria-France relationship,” Kwaja said. “No country wants to operate as an island. Every country is looking at strategic partnerships and relationships.”

France has a long history of involvement in the Sahel region, including military intervention, economic cooperation and development aid. Critics say the countries associated with France have been grappling with poverty and insecurity.

Eze Onyekpere, economist and founder of the Center for Social Justice, said Nigeria must be wary of any deal before signing.

"It is a little bit disappointing considering the reputation of France in the way they've been exploiting minerals across the Sahel,’ Onyekpere said. “They've been undertaking exploitation in a way and manner that's not in the best interest of those countries. I hope we have good enough checks to make sure that the agreements signed will generally be in the interest of both countries and not a one-sided agreement."

Nigeria is France’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

During the president's visit, two Nigerian banks — Zenith and United Bank for Africa — also signed agreements to expand their operations into France.

By Timothy Obiezu, VOA

Nigeria seeks South Africa's help to join G20, BRICS

The Nigerian government on Monday signaled a desire for South Africa's endorsement to join the G20 and BRICS groups of leading and emerging economies.

Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, officially made the request on a trip to Cape Town for bi-annual talks between the two countries, sometimes seen as political and economic rivals.

However, South Africa, which assumed the rotating G20 presidency on Sunday, welcomed the request.

"We will count on Nigeria's wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility," Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola was quoted by Nigerian news agency NAN as saying.

"Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to continue working together and more closely in order that their conditions and prospects are improved and the quality of life enhanced," he added.

At the same summit, known as the Bi-National Commission Meeting (BNC), the two countries pledged closer cooperation in key areas of development such as mining and infrastructure.
 

BRICS account for major share of global GDP

In addition to being a member of the G20 bloc of the world's biggest economies, South Africa was also an early member of the BRICS group of emerging economies meant to offer an alternative to Western dominance. Other members include China, Russia, and India.

According to European Union figures, the BRICS group, which comprises nine nations, now represents about 37% of global GDP. Recently, several other African nations have joined, such as Egypt and Ethiopia.

On Tuesday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Lamola are expected to present their draft communique on Nigerian membership of both groups to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for their approval.

Earlier this year, President Tinubu announced a series of ambitious reforms that he hopes will diversify Nigeria's oil-dependent economy and revive flagging growth.

By Elizabeth Schumacher, DW

India says Nigeria is 'natural' partner as Modi visits

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu pledged to deepen their strategic partnership on Sunday, as Modi made his first visit to the West African country.

New Delhi said Modi's trip represented a meeting of the largest democracy in the world and the largest one in Africa, dubbing the two as "natural partners."

The visit comes amid a revived push by both India and Nigeria for permanent representation on the UN Security Council and as India seeks to find its place in a multipolar world.

"Together we will also continue to highlight at the global level the priorities of the Global South and thanks to our joint efforts, we will achieve success as well in this," Modi said.

During the meeting, both leaders said they sought to usher in a new chapter in the two countries' relationship in the areas of defense, energy, technology, trade and development.

Modi and Tinubu also pledged greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security and intelligence sharing. It is meant to help both countries cope with growing threats in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, which is one of the world's most dangerous areas for piracy.
 

New title for Modi in Nigeria

Modi was welcomed to the Nigerian presidency by a military pipe band and honor guard, before entering closed-door talks with Tinubu and senior officials at his Aso Rock residence.

The Nigerian president conferred on Modi the title of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, the country's second-highest national honor, describing Modi as a representation of a "very strong commitment to democratic values and norms."

"Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India and will work to broaden the same for the mutual benefits of our two friendly countries," Tinubu said.

As Africa has become a theatre of competition between the US, Europe, as well as Russia, Turkey and especially China, India too has sought to make some inroads in the continent.

Ahead of the trip, Modi's office boasted that more than 200 Indian companies had invested $27 billion (€25.6 billion) in Nigerian manufacturing, becoming major employers.

Nigeria is also India's largest trading partner in Africa with total bilateral trade estimated at $14.9 billion in 2022.

At least 60,000 Indian nationals and 200 Indian companies are present in Nigeria, authorities say.

DW

Nigeria Joins BRICS as Partner Country

Nigeria has officially joined the BRICS economic bloc as a partner country, alongside 12 other nations, marking a significant step in deepening its global economic relations.

The announcement was made at the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, further consolidating Nigeria’s economic ties with emerging markets.

In addition to Nigeria, the countries now recognized as BRICS partner nations include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

While these nations have not attained full membership status, their inclusion represents a pivotal moment for the bloc as it continues to expand its influence.

A statement on the BRICS official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday confirmed, “BRICS officially adds 13 new nations to the alliance as partner countries (not full members).”

This decision reflects the bloc’s commitment to fostering cooperation and growth among diverse global economies.

Nigeria’s inclusion comes on the heels of a notable surge in foreign capital inflows from BRICS nations, which soared by 189% in the first half of 2024.

The inflows reached $1.27 billion, compared to $438.72 million during the same period in 2023.

This significant economic boost signals the growing economic synergy between Nigeria and BRICS member states.

The Kazan summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” is the sixteenth annual BRICS meeting and comes at a time of increased global interest in multilateral cooperation. Nigeria’s addition to the bloc as a partner country aligns with its strategic ambitions to deepen economic integration and foster trade with key emerging nations.

The BRICS bloc, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) in 2009, welcomed South Africa as a full member in 2010, rebranding the group to BRICS. Since then, the organisation has emerged as a powerful coalition of developing economies with an emphasis on fostering trade, investment, development, and security.

This year’s summit was attended by new full members Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, who officially joined BRICS in January 2024.

The inclusion of partner countries like Nigeria and the aforementioned 12 nations highlights BRICS’ ongoing efforts to expand its global reach and strengthen economic ties across continents.

The prospect of Nigeria becoming a full member of BRICS has been a topic of discussion for some time. In November 2023, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, indicated the country’s ambition to join BRICS and the G20 group of nations within two years. He emphasized that Nigeria’s large economy and substantial population made it a suitable candidate for such organizations.

Tuggar’s statement reflected the growing recognition of Nigeria’s importance on the global economic stage and its potential to contribute to multilateral organizations like BRICS. As a partner country, Nigeria is now positioned to further leverage its economic strengths and continue building its international partnerships.

By Chioma Kalu, Arise News

Related story: Video - Nigeria among several nations seeking to join BRICS

Video - Libya blames Nigeria for abandoned AFCON clash in Benghazi

The Libyan Football Federation says the flight delays that affected the Super Eagles, which ultimately led to the abandonment of their fixture in Benghazi, were caused by routine air traffic and logistical challenges rather than deliberate foul play. The federation also highlighted the fact that the Mediterranean Knights of Libya also faced challenges after arriving in Nigeria for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last week. 

CGTN

Related story: Video - Nigerians react to abandoned AFCON clash against Libya

Nigeria Football team boycotts Africa Cup qualifier after being stranded at Libya airport

 

Video - Nigeria among several nations seeking to join BRICS

Enthusiasm for the BRICS is growing as countries continue to seek better alternatives to solve their economic and development challenges. The alliance’s championing for developing countries' interests has sparked the interest of the Global South countries, among them Nigeria, in joining the group. Five new members, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt and the UAE, joined the BRICS mechanism earlier this year and many more want to follow them.

CGTN

Related story: Foreign Minister says Nigeria plans to join BRICS

 

Nigeria’s Call For UN Reform At UNGA

Nigeria’s presentation at the 79th United Nations General Assembly was more than just a diplomatic exercise; it was a bold call to rethink the structures that define global governance. Delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the address touched on issues that transcend Nigeria’s borders – climate change, debt relief, and the deep inequities in global power structures, particularly at the United Nations.

The core of Nigeria’s message is both urgent and logical: today’s crises, whether economic, environmental, or security-related, demand solutions that are as interconnected as the problems themselves. The UN, as it currently stands, is not equipped to handle these challenges.
In our view, Nigeria’s proposal for a more inclusive Security Council, one that reflects the realities of the 21st century, is long overdue.

In a world where Africa, home to 1.4 billion people and some of the fastest-growing economies, has no permanent voice on the UN Security Council, the call for reform is not only justified, it is essential.

As Tinubu pointed out, the Council is a relic of a post-World War II order that no longer reflects the world we live in today. His argument that Africa deserves a permanent seat is more than just a plea for representation; it is a demand for the inclusion of perspectives that could reshape global responses to pressing issues like terrorism, migration, and climate change.

One of the most compelling aspects of Nigeria’s message is its call for debt relief for developing nations. Tinubu’s argument here is strikingly clear: when countries are crushed by debt, their ability to invest in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure is severely compromised. The result is not just national instability but regional and even global insecurity.

The West’s reluctance to seriously address this issue, despite growing crises in nations across the Global South, only exacerbates the problem. Debt relief, in this context, is not charity; it’s a strategic imperative for global stability.

Equally important is Nigeria’s focus on climate change, a crisis that hits the Global South hardest. Tinubu’s reference to the floods that have devastated parts of Nigeria, including major cities like Maiduguri, underscores a point often lost in Western discourse: for many nations, climate change is not a distant threat but an immediate danger. His call for the global community to honor its COP commitments is a reminder that, for some countries, survival depends on it. Climate inaction, particularly by wealthier nations, is not just negligent, it’s dangerous.

On terrorism, Nigeria is once again positioning itself as a leader, with plans for the upcoming High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting. This is a recognition that terrorism, like climate change, is a global problem requiring global solutions. And yet, Nigeria’s emphasis on addressing the root causes of conflic like poverty, hunger, inequality, goes beyond the usual security-centric responses.

This is where Nigeria’s voice is particularly compelling: it understands, perhaps better than most, that the roots of extremism are often found in systemic inequality and exclusion.

Moreover, Nigeria’s call aligns with a broader movement towards greater representation for the Global South. From the expansion of BRICS to the African Union’s recent inclusion in the G20, the world is slowly recognising that the voices of emerging economies can no longer be sidelined. Nigeria’s proposals at the UN are part of this shift, one that Western powers would be wise to engage with, rather than resist.

To be sure, Nigeria faces its own internal challenges such as corruption, insecurity, and governance issues. But rather than undermine the country’s credibility, these challenges lend weight to its call for global cooperation. Nigeria knows the complexity of development in the 21st century firsthand, and its voice carries the authority of experience.

The global order, as it stands, is at a crossroads. We can cling to outdated structures and policies, or we can adapt, embracing the idea that a more inclusive, equitable system benefits everyone. Nigeria’s presentation at UNGA offers a path forward, one that requires courage and a willingness to listen. It’s a vision worth considering—because the alternative, a world fractured by division and paralyzed in the face of shared threats, is simply untenable.

The question now is whether the international community, particularly Western powers, will listen. Will they reform the UN to include African voices in the Security Council? Will they take seriously the need for debt relief, not as an act of charity but as an investment in global stability? And will they finally commit to meaningful action on climate change, recognizing that the survival of nations, and perhaps the planet, depends on it?

Leadership