Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar said Nigeria is exploring the possibility of joining BRICS.
BRICS, according to Wikipedia, is an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, originally identified to highlight investment opportunities.
In a statement signed by the Senior Assistant to the Minister on Media and Communications Strategy, Al-kasim Abdulkadir and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, he also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Russia.
According to the statement, Ambassador Tuggar who stated this during his working visit to Russia where he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, said the two countries enjoyed cordial bilateral relations since establishing diplomatic ties on December 25, 1960.
Seeking to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as part of efforts to ensure that Nigeria and Africa are represented at the highest levels of global decision-making, Ambassador Tuggar re-emphasised Nigeria’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as both countries are significant exporters of grains worldwide.
While pointing out that the conflict affects Russia's ability to sell its grains to Africa, Amb. Tuggar also noted that the Joint Commission between Nigeria and Russia was established to provide a framework for the implementation of the concluded bilateral agreements and has since its inception, held four sessions in 2004 (Moscow), 2006 (Abuja), 2009 (Moscow) and 2016 (Abuja).
The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister said it was Russia’s turn to host the next session as he expressed Nigeria’s determination to conclude all outstanding bilateral agreements and a framework to deepen economic, cultural, and political ties for the mutual benefit of the parties.
He said Nigeria and Russia supported each other in their quests for elective positions in the United Nation's specialised agencies and other international engagements, adding that the importance Nigeria attaches to its relationship as an important ally and a strategic partner speaks volume especially in the fight against terrorism.
The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, however, appreciated the Russian Federation’s immense support and solidarity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's led administration especially Russia’s commitment towards facilitating the continued financing and execution of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited as well as the resuscitation of the Aluminium Smelting Company in Nigeria by AC Rusal.
Ambassador Tuggar further said Nigeria and Russia had agreed to cooperate in building nuclear power plants in Nigeria and that the Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) had signed the first Intergovernmental Agreement to cooperate in developing atomic energy for peaceful purposes in 2009.
The Minister pointed out that Nigeria is interested in partnering with Russia on renewable energy, particularly on the peaceful use of nuclear power.
Also highlighting the longstanding military and defence cooperation between Russia and Nigeria, the Minister appreciated the Russian Government's support and assistance in intelligence sharing, which has aided the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
He added that military ties between Russia and Nigeria dated back to the Soviet era.
Ambassador Tuggar, however, appreciated the support received during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
He concluded by applauding Russia's cooperation in education through its scholarships to Nigerian students over the years, which he said had greatly benefitted not only Nigeria but humanity.
