Nigeria never applied to join BRICS bloc - Shettima

Amidst the recent expansion of the BRICS bloc, which now includes Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has clarified that Nigeria did not apply for membership within the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa consortium. 

Shettima's statement came during the BRICS Summit in South Africa, addressing the mixed reactions sparked among Nigerians regarding the country's absence from the group.

Vice President Shettima emphasized that Nigeria had not submitted an application for BRICS membership. He cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to consensus building and democratic principles as reasons for the country's non-participation in the economic bloc.

Shettima underlined that President Tinubu's leadership ethos centers around consensus building and democratic values. These principles guide the nation's decisions and actions on the international stage, including its engagement with organizations like BRICS.

In his role representing Nigeria at the summit, Vice President Shettima also addressed Nigerians residing in South Africa. He urged them to uphold law-abiding behavior and exhibit respect for the host citizens in the country where they reside.