Nigeria and China have renewed their commitment to strengthening cultural exchanges as a means of deepening bilateral relations, promoting tourism, and expanding opportunities within the creative economy. The commitment was made in Abuja at the “Shared Moon, Shared Moment, Meet in Africa: Hunan Culture and Tourism in Nigeria” programme. This event brought together Chinese and Nigerian cultural practitioners, government officials, and other stakeholders to promote cultural diplomacy and strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding and consolidating the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership. He noted that the visit of a cultural and arts delegation from Hunan Province provided an opportunity to showcase Chinese heritage while creating stronger bonds between the peoples of the two countries.
Jianxing highlighted that the programme was held on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration associated with family reunion, harmony, and peace in Chinese tradition. He noted that the symbolism of the full moon resonated with Nigerian cultural values, particularly the importance attached to family, friendship, and togetherness. Jianxing also cited Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative, which promotes respect for diverse civilizations and greater exchanges among peoples.
The cultural programme featured songs, dances, acrobatics, and other traditional performances from Hunan, alongside Nigerian cultural presentations. Jianxing said the exchange would enable Nigerians and members of the Chinese community in Abuja to gain a deeper appreciation of the cultures of both countries. He encouraged more Nigerians to visit Hunan to experience its cultural heritage and hospitality.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ibrahim, described the programme as an important platform for strengthening friendship and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and China. Ibrahim noted that culture had the ability to overcome language, geographical, and social differences by highlighting shared human experiences.
Ibrahim commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for facilitating cultural exchanges and creating platforms for artists and audiences from both countries to interact. He emphasized that cultural diplomacy was important to Nigeria’s efforts to promote tourism, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s creative economy.
The programme formed part of activities marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and came during the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Jianxing called for sustained cultural collaboration between the two countries, saying such exchanges could strengthen emotional ties and contribute to the development of the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.
Key points
- Nigeria and China are strengthening cultural exchanges to deepen bilateral relations and promote tourism.
- The cultural programme featured traditional performances from Hunan and Nigeria to promote cultural understanding.
- The exchanges aim to contribute to the development of the creative economy and strengthen the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.
