Nigeria has intensified its drive to expand economic opportunities and strengthen diplomatic ties with major emerging economies as Vice President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation to the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.
Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the summit, which is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Nigeria’s participation is expected to provide the country with a strategic platform to attract investment, expand markets for Nigerian products and deepen cooperation in sectors critical to its economic development.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, and its growing engagement with the bloc is seen as an opportunity to strengthen South-South cooperation and reduce overdependence on traditional economic partners.
The Nigerian delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; and other senior government officials.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would use the opportunity to explore partnerships and investment opportunities in agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, trade and the digital economy.
According to her, India’s experience in using technology and artificial intelligence to harness the potential of its large youth population offers valuable lessons for Nigeria, which also has a predominantly young population.
“India is firm in its expertise in agriculture and, of course, even in the digital economy,” she said, stressing the importance of learning from the country’s experience in youth engagement and technological development.
For Nigeria, stronger cooperation with India and other BRICS countries could have significant implications for job creation, technology transfer and the development of new industries. Access to investment and expertise in agriculture and digital technology could also help Nigeria improve productivity while creating more opportunities for its growing youth population.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Oduwole, said the Federal Government was also working to deepen Nigeria’s trade relationship with India, noting that bilateral trade had previously reached about $14 billion.
She disclosed that major investors of Indian origin had expressed interest in engaging the Nigerian delegation, while the government is seeking to strengthen existing trade relationships with several BRICS countries.
The minister also highlighted the potential to increase Nigerian oil exports to India, which has historically been an important market for Nigerian crude.
The expansion of such trade relationships could provide Nigeria with broader markets for its commodities and potentially increase foreign exchange earnings at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen its external reserves and improve economic stability.
Beyond oil, however, Nigeria’s BRICS engagement presents an opportunity to diversify its export base by promoting agricultural products, manufactured goods, digital services and other non-oil commodities.
The partnership could also expose Nigerian businesses to larger markets and alternative sources of capital, while encouraging foreign investors from emerging economies to establish businesses and production facilities in Nigeria.
At the summit, Shettima is expected to participate in high-level discussions on global economic growth, innovation, resilience and sustainable development. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings aimed at advancing Nigeria’s interests in trade, investment, agriculture, technology and industrial development.
Analysts say the success of Nigeria’s BRICS partnership will ultimately depend on the government’s ability to translate diplomatic engagements into concrete investments, increased exports, technology transfer and employment opportunities for Nigerians.
As the country continues to face economic pressures, including the need to attract foreign capital, expand its productive base and create jobs for its youthful population, deeper engagement with BRICS economies could provide Nigeria with additional avenues for economic growth.
The New Delhi summit therefore represents more than a diplomatic gathering for Nigeria. It is an opportunity for the country to position itself within a wider network of emerging economies and secure partnerships capable of supporting its long-term development ambitions.
