'Giant of Africa in the rat hole' - Nigerians question Nigeria's importance as it misses out on BRICS invitation

BRICS, a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa has admitted five more countries as it aims to grow and strengthen as it bids to rebalance the world order dominated by the US and Western countries.

The five countries admitted are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates. The exclusion of Nigeria is generated mixed reactions on social media.

The expansion announced on Thursday, August 24, could also pave the way for other countries to seek admission. The body also pledged to address the grievances of member countries over a world order they feel favours the US more than other emerging economies.

The name BRICS was originally coined by an economist at Goldman Sachs.

Economic sanctions imposed by the West on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and China's declining relations with the United States are spurring the bloc to turn BRICS into a strong counterweight to the West economically and politically.

"BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous," said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting a summit of BRICS leaders.

The six candidate countries will formally become members on Jan. 1, 2024. Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva left the door open to the possibility of admitting other countries in the future.

"We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow," Ramaphosa said at a media briefing.

Lula said globalisation's promises had failed, adding that it was time to revitalise cooperation with developing countries as "there is a risk of nuclear war."

United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, whose country is already a shareholder of the bloc's New Development Bank, said he appreciated the inclusion of his country in the expansion.

This membership expansion is historic,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose nation is the most powerful in the group of non-Western states that represents a quarter of the world’s economy.

“The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation, he added.

The conversation on social media after Nigeria "missed" out has left a sour taste in the mouths of Nigerians.

Here is how some reacted on social media.

Koreded Lagos said: I felt bad that BRICS failed to consider Nigeria for membership. It shows that the body doesn't find our country worthy of consideration. If Ethiopia could be admitted, then it's a slap on our face being the largest economy on the continent. We really need leadership that can reinstate our importance on both the continental and global stages. It's such a shame.

i.tobiloba wrote: Ofcourse they won’t allow them join because they will start begging for money

mseritica commented: You people should keep standing on your yeye mandate. The truth is, the western world will keep treating Africans and blacks badly because Nigeria hasn't gotten it right. We have disappointed the black race. You people are not ready yet.

Aza._.man commented: Anything TINUBU touches automatically turns to dust and ashesAz

thefootnetworkingtwo commented: Accepted Ethiopia & Egypt… Giant of Africa in the rat hole! Nigerian leaders thank you o!