Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural and tourism cooperation as a means of strengthening bilateral relations.
The pledge was made on Saturday in Abuja at the 2025 China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival, jointly hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, African Fashion Festival Vogue, and the Chinese Tourism Promoters Initiative.
The event brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic community, Chinese nationals, and friends of China.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, Deputy Ambassador Zhou Hongyou described the festival as “the beautiful convergence of two civilizations and the growing friendship between China and Nigeria.”
Zhou congratulated both countries on the occasion of the festival and expressed China’s gratitude to “all friends who have contributed to the China-Nigeria friendship.”
He highlighted the shared cultural depth of both nations, noting that China, with over 5,000 years of history, and Nigeria, the cradle of the Nok culture with more than 3,000 years of heritage, both exemplify “how cultural diversity and inclusiveness are deeply embedded in the DNA of our civilizations.”
He further emphasized the importance of tourism as a bridge between the two nations.
“From the Great Wall to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, from Mount Tai to Zuma Rock, the world-class cultural and natural landmarks have become vital bridges connecting people of both countries and deepening the friendship between China and Nigeria,” he said.
Zhou also pointed to recent growth in cultural exchanges through platforms such as the China Cultural Centre, Confucius Institutes, the “Chinese Bridge” competition, and “China Corners.”
He added that more Chinese youths were becoming attracted to Nigeria through work, study, and travel, while Nigerians increasingly consider China a top destination in Asia.
Quoting President Xi Jinping, Zhou said: “Exchanges and mutual learning make civilizations richer and more colorful.
That’s exactly what today’s festival is all about.” He added that 2026 will mark the “China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange,” stressing that China is ready to work with Nigeria “to advance dialogue between civilizations, deepen cultural and tourism cooperation, and build a high-quality China-Nigeria community with a shared future.”
On Nigeria’s part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, praised the enduring ties between both countries.
“For over half a century, China and Nigeria have shared deep and mutually beneficial relations in culture, trade, technology and education.
Today’s festival deepens that bond, allowing our people to experience one another’s traditions, cuisines, music, fashion, and artistic expressions,” he said.
He added that culture and tourism are not only vehicles of identity and heritage, but also “powerful drivers of economic growth, job creation and social cohesion.”
Similarly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar represented by Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director of the Ministry’s Reforms and Innovations Department said the partnership between both countries transcended diplomacy and trade.
“Today’s festival embodies that spirit. It assures us that by celebrating each other’s heritage, we strengthen not just our cultural bonds, but also our political, social, and economic cooperation,” Tuggar said.
