Former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has expressed dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s designation as a partner country of the BRICS bloc, arguing that the country’s economic standing in Africa warrants full membership.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television program, on Monday, January 20, the renowned political scientist described the partner status as a slight on Nigeria, given its size, population, and economic influence.
“I am not happy. Can you tell me the difference between a partner country and a member, given our GDP in Africa compared to Ethiopia or even South Africa? Is it a partner country that befits us? No,” Akinyemi remarked.
The BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—expanded its membership in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE. Last Friday, Brazil, which currently holds the BRICS presidency, announced Nigeria’s formal admission as a partner country, a new status established at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.
According to Akinyemi, Nigeria’s current status falls short of its potential. “We should have been part of the original members of BRICS. I have said this on several platforms. I don’t know why we were never an original member, and I don’t know why we were not invited to join as a full member as they were expanding it. I think it is a slap in our face,” he added.
In its announcement, Brazil’s Foreign Ministry emphasized Nigeria’s shared interests with BRICS, citing its large population, significant economic role in Africa, and commitment to South-South cooperation.
“With the world’s sixth-largest population—and Africa’s largest—as well as being one of the continent’s major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS. It plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and in reforming global governance—issues that are top priorities during Brazil’s current presidency,” the ministry said.
Despite this recognition, Akinyemi maintains that the partner status diminishes Nigeria’s influence and global standing. “We should never have accepted this partner member status if that is what they call it,” he insisted.
Nigeria now joins other partner countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan, a group that does not enjoy the same rights or influence as full BRICS members.