Former Nigerian envoys have explained reasons why the G20 and BRICS+ have continued to ignore Nigeria.
Usman Sarki, Nigeria’s former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lawrence Obisakin; and ex-Senior Advisor to the United Nations (Nigeria Office), Fred Eno, blamed it on poor political leadership, weak economy, organisation of the economy, population control, among others.
According to the envoys, poor political leadership over the years has plagued Nigeria’s development, leading to the inability to meet the socio-economic standards of the G20–a premier global bloc for discussing economic issues; and the BRICS+, a nine-member economic and political force.
They said an import-dependent economy, coupled with market instability and the unpredictable forex exchange regime cannot attract investors or economic allies.
South Africa, with about 62.4 million population, and a Gross Domestic Product of $373.23bn, according to data by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is a member of BRICS+ and the G20, while Nigeria with 227 million people and $252.74bn GDP is not a member of both blocs.
Sarki said the membership of the two global groups is not automatic, and that Nigeria has not met the economic standards to join the blocs.
“There are certain criteria that make those countries look at candidates. One of those is have we met all standards in terms of the organisation of our economy, in terms of the management of our economy, in terms of the projections and certainty of the way we organise ourselves?” he told Laolu Akande on Inside Sources, a socio-political programme, on Channels Television on Friday.
“On all indices, on all factors, we seem to have failed in meeting those benchmarks. So, it is difficult to invite you into an exclusive clan when you do not meet the standards that have been set. And these countries will not lower their standards because of you, they will expect you to up your game to meet the standards and admit you.”
Obisakin echoed Sarki, emphasing that no global bloc would want to work with a country when there are no common interests. The former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, said becoming a member of the G20 and BRICS+ goes beyond having a large population and vast geographical spread.
“There are causes and effects and correlational factors. Why did Nigeria not get invited? As regards BRICS+, I have the quotation of our Vice President (Kashim Shettima) saying Nigeria did not apply. But we are diplomats. When we talk about liberal theories of getting people to work together, it’s because there are common interests,” he said.
