The Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in a discussion with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, revealed that Nigeria is interested in joining BRICS groups during his working visit to Russia’s Capital city.
He expressed that before the application processes, there would be a series of deliberations and engagements with different interest groups and internal organizations, considering the country’s democratic systems.
The minister emphasized the participation of Nigeria Vice President Kashim Shettima in the last BRIC summit held in South Africa, is a crucial one. He also spoke about the strengthening of relationships between Nigeria and Russia, stating both countries will collaborate on nuclear energy projects- and it involves training of individuals and implementation of strategic procedures. The Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission and partners in Russia’s Rosatom will facilitate the project.
The minister pointed out that Nigeria as an independent nation capable of making its decisions, which carries operations based on national interest, will not be overwhelmed by Western pressure regarding its cooperation with Russia.
“Since we became independent in 1960, we joined the non-aligned movement. We do what we feel is right for us as a country l, we are not dictated to by anyone” He said.
He also disclosed that his country will recognise a Russian Alternative to the SWIFT Payment System, including a Russian analogue- The Financial Messaging System of the Bank of Russia- and its national interest serves an important role in such decisions.
BRICS- An intergovernmental group comprising countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa(who joined the four in 2010)- aims to promote economic and political cooperation, and create avenues for its members for financial Collaboration. In 2023, six additional countries were invited to be members of the bloc, which are Argentina, Egypt, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Only Argentina declined the offer while other membership became effective from January this year.
Nigeria is not among the invited countries but has expressed its intentions to join the group in forthcoming years considering the national interest and perspectives, said Yusuf Tuggar.
