Nigeria is poised to apply for membership in the BRICS group of nations, irrespective of Western influence, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar in an interview with Sputnik Africa. Tuggar emphasised Nigeria’s deliberative democratic system, which entails thorough engagement with various interest groups before such decisions are made.
Highlighting the significance of Nigeria’s potential BRICS membership, Tuggar referenced Vice President Kashim Shettima’s attendance at the 2023 BRICS Summit in South Africa. He asserted that Nigeria’s decision would remain independent of Western pressure, citing the nation’s historical commitment to charting its own course since independence in 1960 and its participation in the non-aligned movement.
Tuggar revealed collaborative efforts between Russia and Nigeria in nuclear energy projects, including direct measures and personnel training. The Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission and Russia’s Rosatom are actively advancing these initiatives.
Expanding beyond energy cooperation, Nigeria seeks to enhance ties with Russia in medicine, agriculture, and industrial applications of nuclear technology.
Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, highlighted the urgency for Nigeria to join BRICS, advocating for international trade using national currencies rather than the US dollar. He argued that Nigeria’s participation could influence other African countries and facilitate trade within the continent, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Falana stressed that Nigeria’s membership in BRICS would not only break trade barriers but also promote economic growth across Africa.
