The BRICS group of developing nations has ignored Nigeria as they invited Ethiopia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina, among others to become new members of the bloc.  

This came after Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the BRICS summit as a representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday.

Mr Shettima declared that the federal government was passionate about empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, for the development of the nation’s economy, during a tour of exhibition stands at the BRICS Trade Fair.

Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President, who is also hosting the summit of BRICS leaders, announced the new members.

Mr Ramaphoda added that the new candidates will be formally admitted as members on January 1, 2024.

“The membership would take effect from January 1st, 2024,” he added.

The invitation, according to reports, was in line with a move aimed at growing the clout of a bloc that has pledged to champion the “Global South”.

Debate over expanding the BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has topped the agenda at a three-day summit in Johannesburg.

Although, more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS but 22 have formally asked to be admitted.

The countries are being attracted by BRICS’s promise to rebalance world bodies dominated by the United States and other wealthy Western states.