Nigeria has formally sought South Africa’s backing to secure full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank. The request also includes support for Nigeria to take on leadership roles in thematic discussions of interest during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
The appeal was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during her closing remarks at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town.
South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20—a grouping of the world’s leading economies—on December 1. As a key member of BRICS, South Africa is also part of the expanded bloc credited with driving global economic growth, contributing approximately 37% of the world’s GDP.
Highlighting Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability, Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on South Africa to support peace efforts in Sudan. She emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment, as a member of the African Union’s ad-hoc mediation committee, to resolving the Sudan crisis and fostering regional peace.
“We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and to ensure that within our region, conflicts are de-escalated.
‘‘We can hope that with peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all spheres,’’ she said.
The minister lauded the officials of both countries for working hard to present the draft communique and facilitate amendments and submissions raised at the ministerial session of the BNC.
The draft communiqué and agreed minutes will be presented to Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential BNC session on Tuesday in Cape Town.
In his response, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, affirmed that South Africa would amplify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency and ‘noted Nigeria’s requests.”
“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” he said.
Lamola, who co-chaired the BNC session, emphasized the mutual resolve to deepen dynamic and vibrant bilateral relations.
Lamola acknowledged the historical responsibility of both nations to promote peace and dialogue globally, expressing concern over regional conflicts and the need for reform of international institutions like the United Nations.
On South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency in 2025, the minister affirmed that it will serve as an avenue to project African developmental priorities.
Speaking to reporters, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, said the countries had exchanged an MoU on Consular and Migration Matters, which should be finalised by June 2025.
