By Abdullahi Lukman
Professor Bola Akinyemi, former Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, has criticized Nigeria’s partner status in the BRICS bloc, arguing that the nation should have been granted full membership.
Akinyemi, a political science professor, expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, stressing that Nigeria’s significant position in Africa and globally warrants a more prominent role within BRICS.
Akinyemi questioned why Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s most populous countries, was not included as an original member of BRICS or invited to join as a full member during the recent expansion of the group.
“I am not happy about it. Can anyone explain the difference between a partner and a full member, especially when you consider Nigeria’s economic position in Africa?” Akinyemi said.
“With our GDP and influence compared to countries like Ethiopia or even South Africa, a partner status is not befitting of us.”
The former minister further asserted that Nigeria should have been included from the beginning as a founding member of BRICS, and he questioned why the country was not invited to join as a full member during the group’s recent enlargement.
“We should have been part of the original BRICS members,” he argued, recalling, “I’ve raised this issue repeatedly. I don’t understand why we weren’t included from the start, and why we weren’t invited to join as a full member during the recent expansion.”
He declared: “It’s a slap in the face, and we should never have accepted this partner status.”
BRICS, a prominent intergovernmental organization that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include new countries.
On Friday, Brazil, which currently holds the presidency of BRICS for 2025, officially announced Nigeria’s admission as a partner country, alongside nations like Belarus, Bolivia, and Cuba.
The inclusion reflects BRICS’ growing ties with the Global South.
According to Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, Nigeria’s inclusion aligns with shared interests in promoting South-South cooperation and advocating for reforms in global governance.
The ministry highlighted Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy and sixth-most populous country in the world, underscoring its role in shaping both regional and global affairs.
“Nigeria, with the world’s sixth-largest population and Africa’s largest, plays a crucial role in promoting South-South cooperation and advocating for global governance reforms,” the statement from Brazil’s Ministry read.
Akinyemi’s criticism resonates with broader concerns in Nigeria regarding the country’s representation in global institutions.
Despite its economic significance, Nigeria has long faced underrepresentation in key international forums, including the United Nations Security Council and the G20.
For Akinyemi, BRICS’ decision to offer Nigeria a partner status, instead of full membership, underscores Nigeria’s continued marginalization in global decision-making.
“Nigeria’s global standing demands more than just a partner role. We should be at the decision-making table as a full member, not relegated to a secondary position,” Akinyemi said.
Many analysts view Nigeria’s admission to BRICS as a partner country as a positive step, presenting new opportunities for trade, investment, and deeper diplomatic collaboration with other emerging economies.
The country’s influence in sectors such as oil, agriculture, and technology, combined with its strategic geopolitical position, strengthens its role as a key player in both African and global affairs.
However, Akinyemi and other critics argue that Nigeria’s true potential on the global stage can only be realized through greater participation in multilateral organizations like BRICS, which play an integral role in shaping international relations and economic policies.
“Nigeria must be recognized as an equal player in global governance, and we should not settle for less,” Akinyemi concluded.
As Nigeria begins its new role within BRICS, the debate over its status is expected to continue. While the country’s partnership with BRICS offers significant opportunities, the question remains whether Nigeria’s influence will eventually lead to full membership within the organization.
Nigeria, for now, joins a growing list of partner countries in BRICS, including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, and Uzbekistan.
However, critics like Akinyemi argue that Nigeria should strive for more, seeking full membership in a bloc that is increasingly central to shaping global governance in the years to come.