International relations experts have called on Nigeria to adopt China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) as a pathway to inclusive development, citing growing inequality and the dominance of major powers in the global system.
The appeal was made in Abuja during a one-day seminar themed “Opportunities for China-Africa Cooperation under the GGI.”
Mr. Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, described the GGI as a timely response to the “glaring gaps in global governance,” especially the persistent marginalisation of the Global South in international decision-making.
He cautioned that the world system would remain stagnant without contributions from developing nations. “China has taken a bold step to address this gap with the Global Governance Initiative. It is not just a slogan but an idea whose time has come. Nigeria must not remain on the sidelines,” he said.
Onunaiju also recommended creating a Nigeria-China joint committee on GGI to design strategies, exchange expertise, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, criticised international institutions for prioritising a few dominant powers while excluding billions of people worldwide. He noted that the imbalance begins at the United Nations Security Council, where only five nations hold permanent seats.
“The unchecked power of a few nations has undermined international law. Reform is not optional—it is urgent,” Ibrahim stressed, while also calling for changes in the International Monetary Fund and G20 to reflect developing countries’ realities.
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said China’s initiative represented both “ambition and opportunity,” urging Nigeria to position itself to take advantage of the shift. He argued that Nigeria’s main lesson from China is the importance of reforms tailored to local realities.
“China did not copy models blindly. Under Deng Xiaoping, it adapted reforms to its own context. Nigeria must do the same—industrialise, stabilise politically, and then leverage initiatives like the GGI,” Amadi said.
Dr. Muhammad Sani of Baze University added that the GGI aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing push for fairness in global governance. He highlighted Nigeria’s BRICS membership, peacekeeping record, and advocacy for UN reform as proof of this alignment.
“With GGI frameworks, Nigeria can diversify trade, expand renewable energy, and build digital innovation hubs. But rhetoric must give way to action. The focus should be on renewable grids, green jobs, and equipping youth with digital skills,” he said.
Also speaking, Chinese Embassy Counselor Dong Hairong described the GGI as one of four global initiatives introduced by President Xi Jinping to advance the vision of “a community with a shared future for mankind.”
She explained that its five guiding principles—sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, people-centred development, and practical action—have already gained broad recognition. According to her, Nigeria sees strong alignment between the GGI, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and its own development goals.
“China stands ready to work with Nigeria and Africa to reform global institutions, increase representation for the Global South, and build consensus on issues such as climate change, trade, cyberspace, and innovation. Under the GGI, we can jointly promote a fairer world order,” she said.