Nigeria’s growing influence in global diplomacy has received another significant boost as the People’s Republic of China invited the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Folorunsho Jimoh, to deliver the keynote address at a high-level international workshop on sustainable maritime development in Beijing.
The invitation was conveyed through an official diplomatic note issued by the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations and addressed to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria in New York.
According to a statement issued by Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh will participate in the China Practice Training Series on United Nations Sustainable Development: Workshop on High-Quality Development of the Maritime Economy, scheduled to hold in China from August 4 to 10, 2026.
China described the Nigerian envoy’s acceptance of the invitation as a reflection of the deepening strategic partnership and expanding cooperation between both countries, particularly in areas of sustainable development and maritime collaboration.
The Chinese Mission noted that Ambassador Jimoh’s extensive diplomatic experience and contributions to multilateral engagement informed its decision to invite him to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the global event.
His address is expected to focus on strengthening international cooperation in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on SDG 14 (Life Below Water), while highlighting practical approaches to sustainable maritime economic development and global partnerships.
The Mission expressed confidence that the Nigerian diplomat’s insights would enrich deliberations at the workshop and make a significant contribution to the success of the programme.
The international workshop is expected to bring together diplomats, policymakers, maritime experts and development stakeholders from across the world to exchange ideas on advancing high-quality maritime economic development and strengthening global cooperation.
The development comes as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to prioritise economic diplomacy and strategic international partnerships as key pillars of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Through sustained engagement with global partners, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract foreign direct investment, deepen trade relations and expand collaboration in critical sectors, including the blue economy, infrastructure, energy, technology and maritime development.
Ambassador Jimoh’s participation at the Beijing summit provides another strategic platform to showcase Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, vast maritime potential and investment opportunities before a global audience, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
The invitation is widely regarded as a testament to Ambassador Jimoh’s diplomatic credentials and a reflection of Nigeria’s increasing prominence in multilateral affairs, further consolidating the country’s reputation as an influential voice in global diplomacy and international development.
