HARARE, March 8. /TASS/. Nigeria is viewing the possibility of joining BRICS, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said.

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar says Nigeria is exploring the possibility of joining BRICS," the state-run radio station Radio Nigeria reported citing the statement signed by Al-Kasim Abdulkadir, the Foreign Minister’s special assistant.

"Tuggar also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Russia," the radio station said.

According to the minister, Nigeria is ready to finalize preparations for inking all bilateral agreements drafted by the bilateral commission on the economic, cultural and political ties.

The statement pointed out that during his visit to Russia on March 5-7, Tuggar appreciated Russia's support for the efforts of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s administration to develop the country, especially its willingness to facilitate the completion of construction of the Ajaokuta steel plant as well as the restart of Rusal’s aluminum smelting plant in Nigeria.