Experts decry global inequality, urge Nigeria to embrace China’s GGI
By Sarafina Christopher
Experts have decried the existing inequality in the contemporary global system, the impunity of major powers, and urged Nigeria to instead embrace China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) to foster inclusive development.
The international relations experts made the call during a one-day seminar on the GGI with the theme: “Opportunities for China-Africa Cooperation under the GGI,” on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GGI is China’s framework designed to promote fairness, equity and inclusive development globally.
Mr Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, described the GGI as a timely response to “the obvious deficit in global governance,” particularly the exclusion of voices from the Global South in decision-making.
He warned that outcomes in the global system would remain “paralysed without the wisdom and input of the majority world.
“China has taken a bold step to bridge this lacuna with the Global Governance Initiative,” Onunaiju said.
“It is not just a slogan but an idea whose time has come. Nigeria must not stay on the sidelines.”
He also proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-China joint committee on the GGI to design action plans, exchange expertise, and strengthen cooperation.
Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, criticised global institutions for favouring “a handful of dominant powers at the expense of billions of others.”
He emphasised that exclusion begins at the UN Security Council, where only five nations hold permanent seats.
“There is a need to involve every continent, every region as a permanent member,” Ibrahim said.
“The impunity of powerful nations in breaching UN resolutions without consequence has eroded trust in international law. Reform is not optional, it is urgent.”
He also called for reforms in the International Monetary Fund and the G20 to reflect the realities of developing nations.
“What happens to Africa, the Pacific, Latin America or the Caribbean? Why is the Chinese yuan sidelined?
“Let there be inclusion in the international monetary establishment,” he added.
Dr Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, described China’s proposals as both “ambition and opportunity.”
“China seeks a fairer world order.
“Nigeria must position itself strategically to benefit from this shift,” Amadi said.
He added that Nigeria’s key lesson from China was the importance of adaptive reforms.
“China did not copy models blindly. Under Deng Xiaoping, it adapted reforms to its own reality.
“Nigeria must do the same industrialise, stabilise politically, and then leverage initiatives like the GGI.
“We cannot remain weak domestically and expect to benefit globally,” he stressed.
Dr Muhammad Sani of the Department of Mass Communication, Baze University, noted that the GGI speaks directly to Nigeria’s push for fairness and inclusive development.
“It levels the playing field for developing nations and restores justice in global decision-making,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s BRICS membership, peacekeeping record, and advocacy for UN reform already align with GGI principles.
“With GGI frameworks, Nigeria can diversify trade, expand renewable energy, and build digital innovation hubs.
“But rhetoric must give way to action. Priority should be renewable grids, green jobs and digital skills for youth,” Sani added.
Also speaking, Chinese Embassy Counselor, Dong Hairong, said the GGI was one of four initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping to advance “a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Dong explained that the five guiding principles of the GGI: sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, people-centred development and real action had already gained wide recognition.
“Nigeria particularly welcomes them as aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and its own national development aspirations,” she said.
She reiterated China’s readiness to work with Nigeria and Africa to reform global institutions, address under-representation of the South, and promote consensus on climate, trade, cyberspace and innovation.
“China is ready to cooperate under the GGI to build a just global order,” Dong said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
