Nigeria Explores Joining BRICS, Reaffirms UN Security Council Aspiration

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, revealed that Nigeria is actively considering the possibility of joining BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) while maintaining its aspiration to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council during an official visit to Russia.

Amb. Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s gratitude for the robust support from the Russian Federation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that Nigeria seeks to join BRICS and secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, aiming to ensure robust representation for Nigeria and Africa in global decision-making.

During his meeting with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Amb. Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and bilateral relations with Russia. Both nations have shared a cordial relationship since establishing diplomatic ties on December 25, 1960. The Minister highlighted the significance of the countries supporting each other in international forums.

Amb. Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting the global impact on grain exports. He stressed the importance of Russia’s role as a significant exporter of grains to Africa. The Minister acknowledged the establishment of the Joint Commission between Nigeria and Russia, aimed at implementing bilateral agreements. He expressed Nigeria’s eagerness to conclude outstanding agreements, fostering economic, cultural, and political ties for mutual benefits.

In the realm of energy, Amb. Tuggar mentioned Russia’s commitment to financing and executing projects like the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the Aluminium Smelting Company in Nigeria. He highlighted cooperation in building nuclear power plants and the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) for peaceful atomic energy development.

Amb. Tuggar also acknowledged Russia’s long-standing military and defense cooperation with Nigeria, dating back to the Soviet era. He appreciated Russia’s support in intelligence sharing, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. The Minister sought Russia’s cooperation in the education sector and recognized the support provided through scholarships to Nigerian students.