Nigeria has requested South Africa’s support for full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank.
This appeal was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town.
South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the G20 on December 1, a platform for the world’s largest economies.
As a key member of the expanded BRICS bloc—which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE—South Africa plays a pivotal role in global economic discussions. BRICS nations collectively account for about 37% of global GDP and are a major driver of global economic growth.
Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized Nigeria’s interest in taking on leadership roles in thematic discussions during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fostering peace and stability in Africa, with a special emphasis on resolving the conflict 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.
The minister commended officials from both nations for their collaborative efforts in preparing a communiqué that captures the outcomes of the ministerial session.
This draft, along with the agreed minutes, will be presented to Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa during the BNC’s presidential session.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, acknowledged Nigeria’s requests and pledged to strengthen Africa’s voice during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” Lamola stated.
Lamola reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria and South Africa to deepening bilateral ties, emphasizing their shared duty to improve the well-being of their citizens.
In October, Nigeria became a partner country of BRICS, along with 12 other nations, further solidifying its economic ties with the intergovernmental bloc.
