Nigeria, China Deepen Maritime Cooperation Through UN Sustainable Development Workshop

Nigeria and China are set to strengthen their partnership on sustainable maritime development as both countries expand cooperation in the blue economy and maritime governance.

The renewed collaboration follows an invitation extended to Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Folorunsho Jimoh, to participate in the China Practice Training Series of the United Nations Sustainable Development Workshop on High-Quality Development of Maritime Economy, scheduled to take place in Beijing from August 4 to 10, 2026.

The invitation was conveyed through 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 the Office of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh will deliver the keynote address at the workshop’s opening ceremony, which will bring together diplomats, policymakers, maritime experts and development stakeholders from across the world.

China said the invitation reflects the growing diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation between both countries, particularly in sustainable development and economic partnership. It added that Ambassador Jimoh’s extensive diplomatic experience informed the decision to invite him as a keynote speaker.

During the workshop, the Nigerian envoy is expected to highlight the importance of international cooperation in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on SDG 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources. He is also expected to outline collaborative approaches to achieving sustainable maritime economic development.

The workshop will provide participating countries with an opportunity to exchange ideas and share best practices on promoting high-quality maritime economic growth, strengthening maritime governance and expanding international cooperation in the blue economy.

The engagement comes as Nigeria and China continue to broaden bilateral relations across critical sectors, including infrastructure, trade, technology, energy and maritime development.

For Nigeria, the event offers a platform to showcase its maritime potential and ongoing efforts to position the blue economy as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation and sustainable growth.

The workshop also aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to leverage economic diplomacy and strategic international partnerships to attract investment, deepen trade relations and advance national development objectives.

Observers believe Nigeria’s participation in the Beijing workshop will further strengthen maritime cooperation between both countries while creating new opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange and sustainable economic development. The event is also expected to contribute to global efforts to promote the sustainable use of ocean resources and advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.