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Nigeria's BRICS Membership to Bolster Economic Sovereignty, Regional Security in Africa, Expert Says

18:06, 20 April 2024

Muhammad Nooh Osman

Writer/Editor

In March, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told Sputnik that his country plans to apply for BRICS membership after completing the necessary preparations. According to officials, Abuja intends to use the alliance's economic clout and spirit of cooperation to address regional challenges and promote greater autonomy for African nations.

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Nigeria's BRICS Membership has the potential to bolster economic sovereignty and regional security on the African continent, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, a leading expert on international relations and director of the Center for Contemporary China-Africa Studies at the University of Abuja in Nigeria, told Sputnik Africa.

He highlighted Africa's historical vulnerability to exploitation within the existing global order, arguing that BRICS, as a transformative force, offers the continent an opportunity to "rechannel international cooperation and engagement" away from the unipolar dominance of the West that has often left Africa disadvantaged.

"Africa has been a victim of colonialism, slavery, imperialism, and neo-colonialism. Africa has been a victim of globalization. Why? Because in globalization, there are winners and losers," Professor Ibrahim said. "BRICS constitutes membership of great powers that try to change the narrative of global financing, international economy, and multilateral order."

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Prof. Ibrahim emphasized the critical role of economic development in achieving regional stability. He believes that attracting foreign direct investment and creating job opportunities are crucial steps in mitigating the root causes of terrorism and conflict.

With Nigeria's strategic location in sub-Saharan Africa, its membership in BRICS could facilitate collaborative initiatives that promote economic growth and prosperity across the region, according to the Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja.

"When investors come to Africa, particularly Nigeria, they will create more job opportunities for the people, reducing unemployment and mitigating factors contributing to terrorism, banditry, and conflict in the region," he explained.

Furthermore, Nigeria has proposed the establishment of a "BRICS Joint Task Force," a standing peacekeeping force similar to Russia's presence in countries like Niger and Mali, Professor Ibrahim noted.

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This proposition reflects a growing trust in Russia's approach to regional security and a desire to counter the influence of Western powers, which are perceived by some as exacerbating instability.

"Nigeria aims to prevent external actors from exacerbating instability and exploiting Africa's resources by proposing a BRICS standing force. With Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Ethiopia as BRICS members, the alliance could significantly contribute to Africa's development by effectively managing its resources and combating exploitation," the professor said.

He concluded that the potential for resource management and infrastructure development through BRICS cooperation presents a significant opportunity for African nations to shape their own course towards economic and political self-determination.