A prominent political scientist and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has criticized Nigeria’s acceptance of a partner status in the BRICS economic bloc.
He described the decision as demeaning and a disservice to the nation’s standing and potential.
Professor Akinyemi argued that, considering Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and influence in Africa, the country deserved either to be an original member of BRICS or granted full membership during the recent expansion. Accepting a lesser designation as a partner country, he maintained, undermines Nigeria’s stature on the global stage.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Akinyemi expressed his dissatisfaction with the development, questioning why Nigeria did not secure a more prominent role within the bloc.
“I am not happy,” he said. “Can you explain the difference between a partner country and a full member, especially given our GDP in Africa compared to Ethiopia or even South Africa? Does this partner status truly reflect our position? Absolutely not. We should have been among the founding members of BRICS or at least invited as full members during this expansion. Accepting this partner status is, in my view, a slap in the face.”
Despite Akinyemi’s critique, the Nigerian presidency defended the decision, asserting that the partnership aligns with the country’s strategic interests. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, described the status as advantageous, noting that it positions Nigeria to benefit from global political and economic collaborations.
Bwala emphasized that the BRICS bloc and its member nations would consider the perspectives and needs of partner countries like Nigeria in their policymaking. He added that the partnership status grants Nigeria a voice in the bloc without the immediate obligations of full membership.
Supporting this view, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maitama Yusuf Tuggar confirmed on Saturday that Nigeria had officially been accepted as a BRICS partner nation. He underscored the potential for collaboration with member states and highlighted the importance of leveraging the partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s influence in global affairs.
While some see this status as a step forward, critics like Akinyemi continue to call for a more assertive approach to securing Nigeria’s rightful place among global powers. The debate underscores the complexities of Nigeria’s foreign policy and its quest for greater recognition in international circles.
