BRICS and the Lessons of Geo-Strategic Politics for Nigeria

The study examines BRICS and the lessons of geo-strategic politics for Nigeria. The study is qualitative in nature and used ex post facto survey research design relying on data from secondary sources like books, journals, conference proceedings, and internet documents. Textual analysis was employed to present data concisely and logically. The paper adopted the theory of new global regionalism as its framework of analysis to explain the issues under study. The findings of the paper revealed that since 2001, BRICS countries have been a tool to counter Western hegemony and strengthen their global governance position. Again, these nations have created financial institutions like the New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement, and introduced BRICS currency to whittle down the monopoly and dominance of World Bank and International Monetary Fund. BRICS addresses issues like climate change, terrorism, and cybercrime. The findings further revealed the challenges of BRICS such as lack of common interest and multilateral strategy, territorial disputes, and military tension between India and China. However, the paper recommended that Nigeria can learn from BRICS nations' strategic partnerships and multilateralism to enhance geopolitical influence, economic development, and technological advancement. Nigeria should use her position to diversify its trade and strengthen its economic ties with BRICS countries by becoming a member as well. This can be done by establishing trade agreements that foster market access and diversification while protecting local industries with fair trade practices. In addition, promoting joint ventures and partnerships between Nigerian and BRICS companies could facilitate technology transfer and capacity building for the development of domestic industries.