Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday made it clear that Nigeria did not apply for membership of BRICS which is why it was not included in the list of new members of the economic block.
BRICs is an association of the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa founded in June 2009.
The Vice President said this after the group said it is admitting six new members – Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The exclusion of Nigeria in the membership of the bloc generated reactions from different segments of the country with many having the impression that the country was sidelined by the group, but Shettima doused the situation when he told Channels TV on Friday, monitored by current matters that the country never applied for BRICS membership.
“So far, we have not applied for the membership of BRICS. And it is majorly informed by the fact that my principal President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a true democrat that believes in consensus building”
“There are so many variables that need to be taken into cognizance. We have to evaluate so many tendencies and issues that require engagements with the economic advisory council, the Federal Executive Council, and even the National Assembly before an informed decision towards joining the BRICS would be taken.”
The Vice President also urged Nigerians living in South Africa to be law abiding and respect citizens of the host country.
Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu in the Summit which took place in South Africa is expected back in the country this weekend.
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