China invites Nigeria UN envoy to maritime workshop

China has invited Nigeria'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 from China's Permanent Mission to the UN to Nigeria's Permanent Mission in New York. The workshop, titled 'China Practice Training Series of United Nations Sustainable Development: Workshop on High-Quality Development of Maritime Economy,' is scheduled to take place from August 4 to 10, 2026. Ambassador Jimoh's address will focus on international cooperation in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and collaborative approaches to sustainable maritime economic development. The event will bring together diplomats, policymakers, maritime experts, and development stakeholders from various countries. This invitation reflects the strengthening diplomatic ties and growing cooperation between China and Nigeria, and is seen as recognition of Nigeria's increasing influence in multilateral engagements. It aligns with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritizes economic diplomacy and strategic international partnerships to attract foreign direct investment and expand cooperation in sectors including the blue economy, infrastructure, energy, technology, and maritime development.