Nigeria stands firm against Trump’s threats over BRICS membership

The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Friday, called the bluff of President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened to sanction countries that join the BRICS alliance. Nigeria recently became a partner country of BRICS, with plans to become a full member within the next two years.

BRICS, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been expanding its membership, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates attending this year’s summit as full participants. The alliance aims to challenge the dominance of the US dollar in global trade by developing a new currency, a project expected to be implemented by 2025.

Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on countries that create a new currency to rival the US dollar has been met with defiance by Nigeria.

Responding during a press briefing, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media Communication and Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that Nigeria would continue to push for membership in international bodies to advance its economy.

“Nigeria continues to explore and advocate the democratisation of global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council and G20, ultimately by becoming a member state,” Abdulkadir said. “Nigeria is a country in a multipolar world, and we have a history of non-alignment. Our strategic autonomy is sacrosanct.”

Abdulkadir’s statement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining its independence and sovereignty in the face of external pressure. The country’s decision to join BRICS is seen as a strategic move to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on the US dollar.

Retired career diplomat Sola Abolurin described Trump’s threat as an “empty threat,” urging Nigeria to dismiss it. “Trump has threatened so many countries, not only BRICS. He threatened Canada and China, so Nigeria should not allow any country to dictate for it,” Abolurin said.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines Yemi Farounbi, however, cautioned that Nigeria should prioritize its national interests over aligning with global power blocs. “If Nigeria intends to challenge the dollarisation of the global economy, it must ask itself critical questions: Is this genuinely in Nigeria’s national interest? Or is it aligning with a foreign agenda?” Farounbi asked.

As the situation unfolds, Nigeria’s stance on BRICS membership remains firm. The country’s decision to join the alliance is seen as a strategic move to advance its economy and maintain its independence in the face of external pressure.