Nigeria Steps Up for BRICS as Argentina Declines Invitation

• Argentina Rejects BRICS Membership, Nigeria Aims to Fill Vacancy
• Nigeria's Economic Growth Puts It in a Favorable Position
• Nigeria's Ambition to Join BRICS
• Nigeria's Position Strengthened After Argentina's Withdrawal

Argentina Rejects BRICS Membership, Nigeria Aims to Fill Vacancy

In a surprising turn of events, Argentina became the first nation ever to decline an invitation to join the BRICS alliance, following its invitation in August this year. Other invitees included Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia. Argentina's newly-elected president, Javier Milei, remained true to his campaign promise of rejecting BRICS membership if he won the election. This has opened the door for Nigeria to pursue Argentina's vacant spot within the alliance.

Nigeria's Economic Growth Puts It in a Favorable Position

Nigeria's impressively robust economic growth of approximately 6.6% in the previous year, which is expected to persist in the coming years, makes it a potential candidate for BRICS membership. The nation formally applied in the past but was not included in the recent expansion. The nation is, however, determined to secure its spot in BRICS by 2025.

Nigeria's Ambition to Join BRICS

After Argentina's rejection of BRICS membership, Nigeria is now targeting the spot left vacant by the Latin American country. Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has emphasized the country's need to gain BRICS membership. He states that Nigeria has matured enough to choose its own partners and needs to be aligned with groups like BRICS and the G-20.

He argues that if the largest countries in terms of population and economy are meant to belong, then Nigeria should certainly be considered. It is yet unclear whether the BRICS alliance will accept Nigeria into their ranks. An official confirmation is awaited regarding Nigeria taking Argentina's place.

Nigeria's Position Strengthened After Argentina's Withdrawal

Despite the lack of confirmation from BRICS, Nigeria's position to join the group has been significantly bolstered after Argentina's decision to decline the invitation. This has left the African nation at a clear advantage as it aims to secure its place in the alliance.

Edited by Jonathan Stoker