Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with BRICS nations and broader Global South partners, as the grouping marks 20 years since its formation.

This was conveyed at the 18th BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, India, and chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister.

Representing the Federal Government, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umar Ahmed Dunoma, described BRICS as a key platform for advancing cooperation, innovation, resilience, and sustainable development among emerging economies.

He said Nigeria is prepared to deepen collaboration with BRICS members, highlighting ongoing domestic economic reforms aimed at reducing dependence on oil while expanding growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and the services sector.

Dunoma also pointed to Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace and security under ECOWAS, alongside its expanding technology ecosystem, citing initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All (DL-4-ALL) programme and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) scheme.

He called for stronger BRICS cooperation in technology transfer and knowledge sharing, and expressed support for the expansion of the BRICS New Development Bank to enhance infrastructure financing across developing economies.

On climate action, he noted Nigeria’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through investments in renewable energy and green finance, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dunoma added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains focused on fiscal discipline and long-term structural transformation aimed at sustainable national development.