In a bold move aimed at asserting its influence on the global stage, Nigeria is seeking support to become a permanent member of the G20. This follows the recent admission of the 55-member African Union to the G20 at the weekend summit in New Delhi.
Currently, South Africa is the only individual African nation in the G20, which consists of 19 member states plus the EU and the AU.
As the largest economy in Africa with a significant geopolitical presence and a population of over 200 million, Nigeria argues that it should play a pivotal role within the G20. President Bola Tinubu underscored this point during the gathering of world leaders in New Delhi.
"Nigeria is poised, able and willing to be a major player in this family of the G20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete," Nigerian President Bola Tinubu told the leaders.
Since coming to power in May, President Tinubu's administration has pledged to double Nigeria's annual growth rate to 6% and has initiated economic policy reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria's economy.
India, which will assume the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022, hosted the most recent summit in New Delhi on September 9-10. Nigeria, along with Egypt and Mauritius, was one of nine "guest" countries invited by India to participate in the meeting.