Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and strategic partnership as both countries marked the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations during the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair in Abuja.
The celebration, held at the Chinese Cultural Centre over the weekend, attracted senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural organisations, and members of the Nigerian and Chinese communities. The event also coincided with the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, symbolising strength, resilience and progress.
China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Mr Zhou Hongyou, said the Spring Festival had evolved beyond a traditional celebration to become a global cultural event that promotes peace, harmony and mutual understanding among nations. He noted that the festival’s inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list had further elevated its international significance.
Zhou described the temple fair as a practical demonstration of China’s commitment to cultural dialogue and people-to-people exchanges, stressing that cultural cooperation remains a key pillar of China–Nigeria relations. He highlighted the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure, education, science, tourism and cultural exchange.
Reflecting on the history of diplomatic ties, Zhou recalled that Nigeria and China established formal relations in 1971 and have since built a partnership based on mutual respect, equality and shared development. He added that the elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024 marked a new phase of deeper cooperation between both countries.
Also speaking, Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr Joseph Tegbe, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as fundamental to the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.
Tegbe said Nigeria’s engagement with China has delivered tangible benefits, particularly in infrastructure development, industrial expansion and human capacity building. He acknowledged China’s role in major projects, including rail and port infrastructure, which he said continue to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He disclosed that Nigeria is pursuing new areas of cooperation with China in agriculture, steel production and education, including a large-scale poultry initiative aimed at enhancing food security, creating jobs and supporting local farmers. Tegbe also expressed optimism about renewed efforts to revitalise the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in partnership with Chinese investors.
According to him, both countries are strengthening educational and knowledge exchanges through scholarships, joint research programmes and the development of industrial parks to promote technology transfer and skills development.
Speakers at the event also noted that 2026 has been designated the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, providing an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding and broaden cooperation beyond government-level engagement.
The celebration featured martial arts demonstrations by the Chinese Wushu Association, cultural performances by Nigerian and Chinese artistes, exhibitions on Chinese culture and tourism, and interactive activities aimed at fostering friendship between the peoples of both nations.
