Nigerians have taken to social media to share their reactions upon seeing Nigeria’s name inscribed in the Hausa language on the proposed BRICS currency. Nigeria officially joined BRICS as a partner nation on October 24, alongside 12 other countries, further strengthening its economic ties with the bloc.
This announcement was made during the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024. Nigeria’s entry follows a significant rise in foreign capital inflows from BRICS nations, which increased by 189% in the first half of 2024, reaching $1.27 billion compared to $438.72 million during the same period in 2023. The appearance of Nigeria’s name written in Hausa on the yet-to-be-launched BRICS currency has led to speculation that Hausa may be acknowledged as an official language for Nigeria by the bloc.
Bashir Ahmad, former special adviser to ex-president Muhammad Buhari, tweeted his excitement, celebrating the use of Hausa to represent Nigeria (JAMHURIYAR TARAYYAR NAJERIYA) alongside the Nigerian flag on the upcoming BRICS currency. While many Nigerians have voiced opposition to this choice, others support it, arguing that Hausa is Nigeria’s most widely spoken language.
