Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed during his three-day working visit to Russia that Nigeria plans to apply for membership in BRICS within the next two years.
Tuggar, who engaged in talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, emphasized that Nigeria, as a deliberative democratic system, involves various interest groups and internal bodies in the decision-making process.
BRICS, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, initiated by Russia, holds a significant position globally, accounting for approximately a quarter of the global economy and over 40% of the world’s population.
Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s intention, stating, “We intend to do it,” while underlining the nation’s careful consideration of such decisions.
South Africa, chairing the 2023 BRICS summit, reported that over 40 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Algeria, Bolivia, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Comoros, Gabon, and Kazakhstan, have expressed interest in joining the bloc.
Membership expansion, including Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, was set to take effect from January 1, 2024, according to BRICS officials.
Despite potential pressure from the West, Tuggar asserted that Nigeria would prioritize its national interests and maintain an independent stance on cooperation with any country, including Russia. He also mentioned Nigeria’s openness to Russian alternatives to the SWIFT payment system, such as the Financial Messaging System of the Bank of Russia, highlighting that decisions would align with the nation’s interests and not be influenced by external pressures.
Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s historical commitment to independence since gaining independence in 1960, noting, “We do what we feel is right for us as a country, we are not dictated to by anyone.”
