Federal Government endorsed China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

Nigeria’s Strategic Embrace of China’s Global Governance Initiative: A New Chapter in Multilateral Diplomacy

In a move that signals Nigeria’s growing assertiveness on the global stage, the Federal Government has formally endorsed China’s newly launched Global Governance Initiative (GGI), positioning itself as a key partner in the reimagining of international cooperation.

The endorsement came during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus meeting held in Tianjin, China, on September 1, 2025, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

The GGI, unveiled by President Xi Jinping, builds upon China’s earlier frameworks, the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and aims to address pressing challenges in global governance, including climate change, digital inequality, representation, and the regulation of emerging technologies.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, described the initiative as a “timely and thoughtful contribution” to strengthening the international system.

The GGI is anchored on five foundational principles: sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered governance, and results-oriented action. These principles resonate strongly with Nigeria’s own diplomatic ethos and development aspirations.

As Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, Nigeria views the GGI as a valuable platform for advancing shared priorities such as reforming the United Nations, promoting inclusive governance in domains like artificial intelligence, cyberspace, and outer space, and fostering equitable development across the Global South.

The endorsement also reflects Nigeria’s strategic alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous continent.

By supporting the GGI, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to a more just, inclusive, and effective international order, one that reflects the aspirations of all peoples and upholds the principles of shared responsibility and mutual respect.

The initiative’s emphasis on multilateralism and sovereign equality is particularly significant for Nigeria, which has long advocated for greater representation of African nations in global decision-making bodies.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s backing of the GGI underscores its principle of strategic autonomy, allowing it to engage with global powers on its own terms while championing the interests of the continent. The move is expected to deepen China-Nigeria relations and enhance regional cooperation across Africa. It also positions Nigeria as a bridge between the Global South and emerging global governance frameworks, reinforcing its role as a diplomatic heavyweight in shaping the future of multilateralism.

As the world grapples with transformative shifts and mounting global challenges, Nigeria’s endorsement of the Global Governance Initiative marks a pivotal moment in its foreign policy trajectory.

It is not merely a gesture of support but a declaration of intent, to help build a global order that is fairer, more inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all nations.