Nigeria Backs China’s Global Governance Initiative

The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind China’s newly unveiled Global Governance Initiative (GGI), describing it as a “timely and thoughtful contribution” to strengthening the international system.

In a statement on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria welcomed the initiative, which was launched at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus meeting in Tianjin on September 1.

The GGI, rolled out ahead of the UN’s 80th anniversary, builds on China’s earlier frameworks the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative and seeks to address gaps in representation, adherence to international law, climate change, digital inequality, and emerging technologies.

Nigeria endorsed the initiative’s five guiding principles: sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, people-centred governance, and results-oriented action.

“As one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria views the GGI as a valuable platform for advancing shared priorities, including UN reform, inclusive governance in AI, cyberspace and outer space, and equitable development,” the government said.

It added that the initiative aligns with national development goals, Nigeria’s principle of strategic autonomy, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. By backing it, the FG reaffirmed its commitment to “a more just, inclusive, and effective international order that reflects the aspirations of all peoples.”