Intended for Turkey, but went to Nigeria: Nigeria joins BRICS

Turkey's European Union adventure has turned into a complete stalemate. While European Union countries once loudly voiced support for Turkey's membership, no one holds any expectations for full membership anymore.

Following this, Turkey turned toward BRICS and officially applied for membership in 2024. While no positive or negative response has yet been given to Turkey's request, Nigeria is officially joining BRICS today.

NIGERIA OFFICIALLY JOINS BRICS

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has joined BRICS with partner country status. In a statement issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was announced that Nigeria became the ninth official partner of BRICS as of January 17, 2025.

"The Brazilian government, which holds the rotating presidency of BRICS, announces today that as of January 17, 2025, Nigeria has been officially accepted as a partner country of this group," the statement said, emphasizing Nigeria's interests aligned with BRICS and its active role in global governance. Nigeria became the ninth country to gain partner country status, following Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

THE RISE OF BRICS

Founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS expanded with the participation of South Africa in 2011. Initially created for investment and financial cooperation, the platform has gradually added issues such as security and global governance reform to its agenda.

BRICS accepted Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates as full members in 2024, and Indonesia joined the full members in January 2025.

WHAT IS PARTNER COUNTRY STATUS?

The "partner country" status, approved at the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October, offers an alternative option to more than 30 countries waiting for full membership. This status allows countries to establish closer economic and diplomatic relations with BRICS.

TURKEY WAITS IN LINE

Turkey had officially applied for BRICS membership in September 2024. Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat made the following remarks in an interview with TVNet in November:

"As for the status regarding Turkey's (BRICS) membership, they offered Turkey partner membership status"