By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria will deepen bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation, and promote its strategic interests at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, this weekend. Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the summit, which will bring together BRICS leaders, partner countries, and invited dignitaries.
The summit will provide Nigeria with another opportunity to strengthen partnerships in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, technology, and innovation.
Shettima to Represent Tinubu at BRICS Summit
Vice President Shettima will attend the summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on behalf of President Tinubu.
During the event, he will participate in plenary and high-level sessions with BRICS members and partner countries.
The discussions will examine global economic growth, multilateral cooperation, and shared development priorities.
Additionally, Shettima will hold bilateral meetings with leaders and senior officials from participating countries.
These engagements will focus on expanding economic and diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and other participating nations.
Nigeria to Expand South-South Cooperation
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025.
Therefore, its participation creates another channel for stronger South-South cooperation.
The platform also allows Nigeria to engage major emerging economies on trade and investment.
It will also support discussions on development finance and global governance reforms.
Through these engagements, Nigeria seeks stronger partnerships that can support its economic transformation.
Focus on Trade, Investment and Key Sectors
Nigeria plans to use the summit to attract investments and expand international markets for local products.
In particular, agriculture, energy, solid minerals, and other non-oil sectors remain key areas of interest.
The government also wants deeper cooperation in technology and innovation.
Such partnerships could create new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and strengthen economic ties with emerging markets.
India’s BRICS Chairship
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The agenda will cover political and security cooperation.
It will also address economic and financial partnerships among participating countries.
Furthermore, cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges will feature in the discussions.
The summit comes as BRICS marks 20 years since its establishment.
The grouping is also seeking stronger practical cooperation across its expanding membership and partner network.
Nigeria Strengthens Global Economic Partnerships
Nigeria’s participation aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen international economic partnerships.
The administration also seeks to attract foreign investment and create new markets for Nigerian products.
Moreover, BRICS provides Nigeria with access to major emerging economies and wider Global South cooperation.
Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria shortly after the summit.
