Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, has urged South Africa to back Nigeria’s bid for full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank. The appeal was made during her closing remarks at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration made the request on Monday, emphasizing Nigeria’s aspirations to take on leadership roles in thematic discussions under South Africa’s presidency of the G20. South Africa assumed this position on December 1, 2024.
Highlighting BRICS’ influence, which accounts for 37% of global GDP, Ojukwu called on South Africa to assist in expediting peace efforts in Sudan, citing President Tinubu’s commitment as a member of the African Union’s mediation committee.
“We are strongly committed to resolving the Sudan crisis. In this regard, we seek South Africa’s support to accelerate the peace process and promote stability within the region. With peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all sectors,” Ojukwu stated.
She also lauded officials from both nations for drafting a communiqué and addressing amendments during the BNC session, stressing the need to reform global institutions like the United Nations and prioritize Africa’s development during South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025.
In related developments, Nigeria and South Africa exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Consular and Migration Matters. Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, announced that the agreement, set for completion by June 2025, aims to enhance cooperation on migration, streamline visa processes, and ensure dignified treatment for nationals facing deportation.
Ojukwu underscored the shared responsibility of Nigeria and South Africa as Africa’s leading economies, calling for sustained collaboration.
“Together, we shall achieve success for our nations and Africa as a whole,” she affirmed.
