Nigeria is setting its sights on membership in the influential BRICS bloc of nations, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar revealed during a meeting with his Russian counterpart in Moscow.
BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is seen as a counterweight to Western dominance in global economic and political affairs. Tuggar acknowledged Nigeria’s internal democratic processes would need to be completed before a formal application is submitted.
“We intend to do it,” Tuggar told Sputnik in an interview. “Nigeria runs a deliberative democratic system, so there’s engagement with various groups before such an action is taken.”
The minister highlighted the importance of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s participation in the 2023 BRICS summit, underscoring Nigeria’s keen interest in joining the group.
Beyond BRICS, Nigeria is also exploring alternatives to Western-controlled systems. Tuggar emphasized that his country would not be swayed by external pressure regarding its partnerships.
“Nigeria is not the sort of country that succumbs to pressure,” he declared. “We follow our national interests.”
This independent spirit extends to financial systems as well. Nigeria is open to using alternatives to the dominant SWIFT payment system, including Russia’s Financial Messaging System (SPFS).
“This SPFS is a very interesting system,” Tuggar said. “The more options, the better. We will consider them if it’s in our national interest.”