The Chinese community in Lagos recently gathered to mark the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival, China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day, as well as the 23rd anniversary of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association (CICEA). The event, organised by HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, CICEA and the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, with support from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, brought together Chinese and Nigerian officials, business leaders and members of the community.
The Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, described the relationship between both countries as an important partnership, urging stakeholders to deepen cooperation. Yuqing said the two countries were at a defining moment in building an “all-weather China-Nigeria community bound by a shared future for this new era.” She called for fresh initiatives and stronger collaboration to translate the relationship between both countries into tangible benefits for their people.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yusuf Kelani, said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on what could be achieved when science, technology, human capital, culture and modern development were brought together. Kelani highlighted China’s contribution to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, housing, railways, industrial facilities, schools and hospitals.
Kelani stressed the need for future infrastructure projects to be resilient, energy-efficient and climate-smart. He said Nigeria must increasingly promote green buildings, sustainable construction materials, renewable energy integration, efficient cooling systems, proper waste management and nature-based solutions. He also called for stronger partnerships between Nigerian and Chinese universities, research institutions, technology companies, entrepreneurs and government agencies.
The Chairman, HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Dr Eric Ni, said the Chinese community was also using the occasion to support education through scholarships. Ten schools and 10 Nigerian students received scholarship awards for outstanding performance in Literary, Art and Culture, with each of the 10 schools receiving N100,000. Ni said the initiative was part of the community’s efforts to strengthen the relationship between China and Nigeria.
A member of the House of Representatives, Enitan Dolapo Badru, said the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relationship between Nigeria and China. Badru said bilateral ties had expanded across trade, investment, infrastructure, education, technology and cultural exchange. He noted that China’s experience in industrial development, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and skills acquisition offered opportunities for Nigeria to strengthen its own industrial capacity.
The event also featured cultural performances and activities highlighting the cultural ties between the two countries. The Consul General also commended Chinese communities and businesses operating in Nigeria for their contributions to local communities, particularly through charitable initiatives.
Key points
- The Chinese community in Lagos calls for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and China in education, technology, research and industrial development.
- The event marked the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival, China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day, as well as the 23rd anniversary of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association (CICEA).
- The Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, urges stakeholders to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and China.
