The Chinese government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural exchanges and cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors, including culture, tourism, education, and the creative economy.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made this known over the weekend at the “Tea for Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon,” an event commemorating the United Nations International Tea Day. The gathering, held in Abuja, brought together Chinese and Nigerian officials, cultural stakeholders, and members of the diplomatic community.
The event featured rich cultural displays such as the Yue Opera, pipa music performances, Chinese calligraphy, and traditional painting exhibitions. It also highlighted the increasing cultural and commercial links between both countries, including the debut of Hainan Baisha tea in the Nigerian market in 2024.
Ambassador Yu noted that 2026 has been designated the China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange, underscoring the strategic role cultural diplomacy plays in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. He emphasized China’s readiness to further cultural, educational, and tourism partnerships, particularly under the Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization, a three-year (2025–2027) initiative involving Nigeria and 52 other African nations.
“Our Embassy is committed to deepening cooperation in culture, education, creative industries, and tourism,” the envoy stated. “These exchanges promote mutual learning between civilizations and strengthen the bonds between our peoples.”
He noted the growth of people-to-people ties, including Nigerian students studying tea culture and performing arts in China, and Chinese volunteers promoting language and tea culture in Nigeria.
“From the legacy of the ‘Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Route’ to the aspirations of the ‘Digital Silk Road,’ culture has remained a bridge connecting China and Nigeria,” Yu added. “Tea, in particular, symbolizes harmony, connection, and mutual respect.”
He also expressed China’s interest in partnering with Nigeria on value-added agriculture, agro-processing, and tea-based cultural tourism.
Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy commended the initiative, stressing the need for legislative support to position culture as both an identity anchor and an economic driver. “We must enact laws that support cultural identity and transform culture into an engine of economic growth,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Muhktar Mohammed, expressed Nigeria’s readiness to embrace opportunities in the global tea economy. “By promoting tea-centered festivals and tourism, Nigeria can strengthen its creative industries while preserving local heritage,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, described tea as “a symbol of peace and patience,” and an effective tool for cultural unity.
Representing the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Alhaji Suleiman Musa highlighted the role of media in exporting Nigeria’s cultural assets globally and leveraging events like this to promote national creativity and identity.
