China has reiterated its commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive global governance system while pledging closer cooperation with Nigeria and other African nations under its newly launched Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
Speaking at a seminar in Abuja organised by the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research and the Centre for China Studies, Chinese officials said the GGI—introduced by President Xi Jinping on September 1—joins the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) as the four pillars of China’s vision to build “a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Dong Hairong, described the initiative as “another public good that China has provided to the world” and stressed its aim to reform global institutions, address historical injustices, and give greater voice to the Global South in bodies such as the UN Security Council and international financial systems.
“The current international landscape is undergoing changes and turbulence. As we can see every day, the world is far from peaceful and stable,” Dong said, citing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and regional conflicts.
He emphasised that the GGI is aligned with Africa’s development aspirations and Nigeria’s priorities, noting that collaboration would extend to critical areas including climate change, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, trade, and outer space.
Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the GGI and pledged to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and China. “At the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership office, we stand ready to work hand-in-hand with our Chinese counterparts to ensure this vision delivers concrete benefits for our people, for Africa, and for the rest of the world,” he said.
Director of the Centre for China Studies, Dr. Charles Onunaiju, called for practical implementation of the initiative. “The Global Governance Initiative will be tested in action, not just in words. Nigeria and China must go beyond dialogue to initiate strategic collaborations that deliver actionable plans advancing the Initiative,” he stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, underscored that while international initiatives like the GGI are important, local leadership and internal reforms remain critical for Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“China became rich and powerful under an international order that was not the best. It thrived because its leaders aligned policies and economic programmes towards high and sustained economic growth. When we become rich and stable like China, we will make better leverage of the transformative Global Governance Initiative that China wisely promotes,” Amadi said.
The seminar concluded with calls for Nigeria and China to transform diplomatic frameworks into concrete outcomes that advance development goals for both nations.
