Experts in international relations have urged Nigeria to embrace China’s Global Governance Initiative, GGI, as a pathway to inclusive development and global fairness.
The call was made at a one-day seminar in Abuja themed “Opportunities for China-Africa Cooperation under the GGI.”
Director of the Centre for China Studies, Charles Onunaiju, described the initiative as a timely response to the deficit in global governance, particularly the exclusion of voices from the Global South.
He proposed the creation of a Nigeria-China joint committee on the GGI to design action plans and deepen cooperation.
Also speaking, Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, faulted existing global institutions for favouring dominant powers at the expense of developing nations.
He stressed the urgency of reforms at the UN Security Council, IMF, and G20 to reflect the realities of emerging economies.
The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Dr. Sam Amadi said “Nigeria must position itself to benefit from China’s proposals, stressing the need for adaptive reforms to drive industrialisation and stability.”
Dr. Muhammad Sani of Baze University noted that the GGI aligned with Nigeria’s advocacy for UN reform, BRICS membership, and peacekeeping record.
He added that the initiative offers opportunities in renewable energy, trade diversification, and digital innovation.
Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, explained that the GGI is one of four initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping to build “a community with a shared future for mankind.”
She said Nigeria and Africa stand to benefit as the initiative resonates with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Nigeria’s development aspirations.
She reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with Nigeria and Africa under the GGI to promote fairness, reform global institutions, and address key issues including climate change, trade, and innovation.
NAN/Jide Johnson.