Nigeria 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. President Tinubu is currently in Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) session, where Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, renewed the calls for Nigeria's BRICS membership.

The move is seen as a strategic plan to solidify Nigeria's position in Africa and reduce its dependence on Western-led financial institutions. African leaders are seeking alternative partners to reduce reliance on Western nations and financial institutions, and are strengthening ties with BRICS nations to prioritize economic cooperation and counterbalance Western dominance.

Currently, South Africa is the only African member of BRICS, but following the latest expansion in 2023, the BRICS alliance officially announced the addition of 13 new nations as partner countries, including three African nations: Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda. Nigeria is seeking active membership of BRICS, the G20, and the NDB, which would provide numerous benefits, including increased economic growth, improved global governance, and a stronger voice in international affairs.

Membership of the group includes the world's major economies, representing 85% of global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. The BRICS New Development Bank, established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing countries.

Nigeria's interest in joining BRICS is not new, but the country's economic and diplomatic tools need to be retooled to make its economy more competitive globally. According to Ojukwu, Nigeria is totally committed to fostering regional peace in Africa and, as a member of the ad-hoc mediation committee established by the African Union, Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, has prioritized resolving the crisis to foster peace and stability in the region.

The draft communique, amendments, and submissions raised at the ministerial session of the BNC will be submitted to President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential Bi-National Commission session on Tuesday in Cape Town. Both leaders will review the progress achieved since the 10th session of the BNC held in Abuja in 2021.

The meeting is a follow-up to the bilateral meeting both countries had in Johannesburg shortly after President Ramaphosa's inauguration for a second term in office in June. The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission is a diplomatic alliance aimed at strengthening the economic ties of both nations.

As Nigeria intensifies its efforts to join BRICS, the implications of this move could be significant for the country's economic growth and global influence. With the support of South Africa, Nigeria may be able to solidify its position as a key player in African economic affairs and reduce its dependence on Western-led financial institutions.

In the broader context, Nigeria's bid to join BRICS reflects the growing trend of African nations seeking alternative partners and strengthening ties with emerging economies. As the global economic landscape continues to shift, it will be interesting to see how Nigeria's efforts to join BRICS play out and what implications this may have for the country's future development.