On December 3, 2024, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed the country's desire for South Africa's endorsement to join the G20 and BRICS groups during her visit to Cape Town. This request was made at the Bi-National Commission Meeting (BNC), a forum for political and economic discussions between the two nations.
South Africa, which recently assumed the rotating presidency of the G20, responded positively to Nigeria's request. Minister of International Relations Roland Lamola emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries, stating, 'We will count on Nigeria's wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility.'
During the BNC, both nations committed to enhancing cooperation in key development sectors, including mining and infrastructure. South Africa is a founding member of BRICS, which aims to provide an alternative to Western economic dominance, alongside other members such as China, Russia, and India. The BRICS group now accounts for approximately 37% of global GDP, according to European Union data.
On December 4, Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Lamola are set to present their proposal for Nigeria's membership in these groups to President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria for final approval. Earlier this year, President Tinubu initiated ambitious reforms aimed at diversifying Nigeria's oil-dependent economy and stimulating growth.