Nigeria’s UN Envoy To Deliver Keynote At China Maritime Summit

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Folorunsho Jimoh, has been invited by China to deliver the keynote address at a high-level international workshop on sustainable maritime development in Beijing, underscoring growing diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The invitation was conveyed in an official diplomatic note from the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York.

According to a statement from Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh will participate in the “China Practice Training Series of United Nations Sustainable Development: Workshop on High-Quality Development of Maritime Economy,” scheduled to hold in China from August 4 to 10.

The Chinese Mission described the envoy’s acceptance of the invitation as “a reflection of the strong diplomatic ties and growing cooperation between China and Nigeria.”

It added that Ambassador Jimoh was invited to deliver the keynote address because of “his wealth of diplomatic experience,” expressing confidence that his presentation “will enrich discussions at the workshop and contribute significantly to its success.”

According to the statement, the keynote address will focus on international cooperation in advancing the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), while highlighting collaborative approaches to achieving sustainable maritime economic development.

The workshop is expected to bring together diplomats, policymakers, maritime experts and development stakeholders from around the world to exchange ideas on promoting high-quality maritime economic development and strengthening global partnerships.

The Nigerian mission said Ambassador Jimoh’s participation aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to deepen economic diplomacy and strategic international partnerships.

“It presents another opportunity to project Nigeria’s economic reform agenda before a global audience while reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and multilateral cooperation,” the statement said.

It added that the envoy’s keynote address would “showcase Nigeria’s vast maritime potential, investment opportunities and commitment to international partnerships,” complementing the Tinubu administration’s efforts to position the country as “a preferred destination for global investment, trade and sustainable economic growth.”

The statement described the invitation as “a recognition of Ambassador Jimoh’s diplomatic credentials and Nigeria’s increasing influence in multilateral engagements,” saying it further reinforces the country’s growing profile in global diplomacy and international development initiatives.