Local News
Nigeria, China Pledge Stronger Cultural, Tourism Ties to Deepen Bilateral Relations
Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China on Saturday in Abuja hosted the 2025 edition of the China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival, with both countries expressing commitment to deepening exchanges in both sectors.
Arise News reports that the event organized by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria; African Fashion Festival Vogue and the Chinese Tourism Promoters Initiative brought together government officials, the diplomatic community, Chinese nationals, and friends of China.
According to the Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, the event was put together to witness the beautiful convergence of two civilizations and the growing friendship between China and Nigeria.
While welcoming guests on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou congratulated Nigeria and China on the occasion of the festival, expressing the sincere gratitude of China to all friends who have contributed to the China-Nigeria friendship.
He also informed that China and Nigeria were both ancient civilizations with profound historical and cultural heritage, adding that China boasts of over 5,000 years of uninterrupted history, 56 ethnic groups, and numerous languages and dialects.
“This cultural diversity has shaped China’s open, inclusive, and harmonious national character. Meanwhile, Nigeria, the cradle of the Nok culture, treasures 3,000 years of history, more than 250 ethnic groups, and over 500 languages, along with vibrant traditional arts. This rich tapestry showcases unique cultural charm of the African continent. All of this reflects how cultural diversity and inclusiveness are deeply embedded in the DNA of both our civilizations”, Hongyou said.
He also said tourism exchanges between both countries were equally dynamic.
Hongyou said that 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 that despite the vast distance between China and Nigeria, both countries grow ever closer through cultural and tourism exchanges.
Hongyou said, “In recent years, as high-level interactions and people-to-people exchanges have flourished, our cultural and tourism cooperation has reached new heights. More and more African friends are getting to know China through platforms like the China Cultural Center, Confucius Institutes, the “Chinese Bridge” competition, and “China Corners.”
At the same time, many young Chinese have fallen in love with this warm and dynamic nation through work, study, and travel here. Today, we’re top travel choices for each other: for Chinese tourists, Nigeria is one of Africa’s top spots, and for Nigerian tourists, China is one of the go-to destinations in Asia.
“As Chinese President Xi Jinping said, exchanges and mutual learning make civilizations richer and more colorful. That’s exactly what today’s festival is all about!”
He recalled that last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, elevated the bilateral relations between both countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in the China-Nigeria ties.
Hongyou also said that last month, in his congratulatory letter to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministerial Meeting, President Xi announced that China will implement zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for 53 African countries, saying that the move absolutely included Nigeria.
Hongyou added that the year 2026 marks the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange,’ even as he said that China stands ready to work hand in hand with Nigeria to put both leaders’ consensus into action.
“Guided by the GCI, we’ll advance dialogue between civilizations, deepen our cultural and tourism cooperation, and build greater mutual understanding. Working together, we’ll build a high-quality China-Nigeria community with a shared future!” Hongyou stated.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, said 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. Indeed, our ministry recognizes that culture and tourism are not only vehicles of identity and heritage but also powerful drivers of economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion,” Muhammad said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, represented by the Director of the Reforms and Innovations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, said the Nigeria–China partnership extended far beyond diplomacy and trade.
He also said the partnership between both countries was about people-to-people connections.
“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.
