occasional-paper-184-376b15847eeb77fc.pdf

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the trade relations between Nigeria and the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The study analyzes trade intensity, complementarity, and the resulting impact on Nigeria's GDP, concluding that while Nigeria maintains trade surpluses with several BRICS members, its exports are heavily concentrated in crude oil, and its economic growth is significantly influenced by imports from China and exports to South Africa.

• Nigeria's exports to BRICS countries are highly undiversified and dominated by petroleum. In 2011, mineral fuels and related products accounted for 97% of total exports to the BRICS bloc, while manufactured goods represented less than 2%.
• Trade complementarity between Nigeria and BRICS countries is generally low, typically falling below 0.5. However, ties with India are noted as the strongest and most traditional, with India's share of Nigeria's crude oil exports increasing from approximately 4.6% in 2001–2004 to about 12% in 2009–2012.
• Nigeria's trade balance with BRICS members is mixed: the country has recorded increasing trade surpluses with India, Brazil, and South Africa, but faces a growing trade deficit with China and a smaller deficit with Russia.
• Econometric analysis indicates that imports from China have a significant positive impact on Nigeria's GDP. A 1% increase in imports from China is estimated to increase Nigeria's GDP by approximately 0.2%, largely because China is the primary supplier of manufactured goods, chemicals, and machinery required for Nigerian economic growth.
• Exports to South Africa are identified as growth-inducing for the Nigerian economy. A one percentage point increase in exports to South Africa is associated with a 0.1% increase in Nigeria's GDP, potentially due to the growth of non-oil exports such as machinery and transport equipment.
• Nigeria has the lowest level of trade integration with Russia among all BRICS countries, as both nations primarily export similar primary products (crude oil and natural gas), which limits trade based on comparative advantage.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (n.d.). occasional-paper-184-376b15847eeb77fc.pdf. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Occasional-Paper-184.pdf

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. occasional-paper-184-376b15847eeb77fc.pdf. n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Occasional-Paper-184.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=occasional-paper-184-376b15847eeb77fc.pdf |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Occasional-Paper-184.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairsndoccasionalpaper184376b15847eeb77fcpdf, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{occasional-paper-184-376b15847eeb77fc.pdf}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Occasional-Paper-184.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }