- Nigeria officially joined Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) as a partner country, confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Nigeria aimed for full membership within two years, building on its significant economy and population
- TheRadar compiled reactions from the public following the announcement
Following the announcement at the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, Nigerians have expressed varied reactions to the news that Nigeria has been included as a partner country in the alliance.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the development on Thursday, stating, “Yes. It is true that Nigeria joined BRICS as a partner.”
Nigeria joins BRICS as partner
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS expanded in 2010 to include South Africa. Earlier this year, the group welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as full members.
Nigeria’s new status as a partner aligned with previous remarks by Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who indicated in November 2023 that the country aims to join BRICS as a full member within the next two years, capitalising on its significant economy and population.
Nigerians react to new BRICS alliance
TheRadar compiled public reactions following the announcement below:
“Any organization that allows Nigeria to partner with them, knowing how corrupt and criminally minded our leaders are, isn’t a good organization on its own. Check the people sitting at that table. As long as Nigeria dey there, that BRICS alliance no go get head,” Maneek stated.
“Nigerian leaders will never make any move that is in the interest of the citizens. If this new is true (because they're liars) then that BRICS stuff must be useless,” Uba reacted.
“Except if the CIA is deliberately planting Nigeria in the BRICS as their Inside Man... Cos normally T-Pain no fit try am or US go leak em secrets,” Adrenaline added.
“Nigeria won’t dance to the tune of BRICS. Their masters in DC won’t like it and will dissuade. Except this changed, but I hope you know there wasn’t a single representative at the BRICS summit held; not the President not the VP. Absolutely suggests a lot,” Clinton stated.
“Since us affiliations hasn't do our economy any good all these years wouldn't hurt to see how this one plays out,” Kay_Fluxxx stated.
“The dollar is going to loose it's value when BRICS start trading in their currency . Majority of these leaders have their Money stashed away in foreign accounts in dollars/ pounds . They will be affected cause the US will make sanctions against Nigeria. That's a good development,” Deedee reacted.
“The western slavery is finally over… those people wannna take from Africa by draining it of its resources! Even before joining Brics, china has been lending Africa countries money to build infrastructures.. all the west know is to collect but never help and lend debt,” I am huntex reacted.
“This will put Nigeria in a funny position with the U.S. What do you think?” Emmy Steven added.
Full List: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Rawlings, other presidents who have chaired ECOWAS since inception
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, was re-elected as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In lieu of the development, TheRadar compiled the full list of ECOWAS chairmen from inception to 2012.