Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to people-centred development, pledging to prioritise projects that directly improve livelihoods, create jobs and deepen mutual understanding between citizens of both countries as they enter a new phase of their bilateral partnership.
The renewed commitment was announced in Abuja during the 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair, which also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr Joseph Tegbe, said Nigeria’s collaboration with China had evolved beyond diplomacy to tangible development outcomes that impact everyday lives.
He cited investments in rail infrastructure and projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port as clear examples of cooperation delivering real benefits to citizens of both countries.
“For partnerships and collaborations to be successful, initiatives must deliver tangible benefits to the people
“We welcome Chinese businesses to Nigeria and encourage partnerships that prioritise capacity building, skills transfer and shared growth. In return, Nigerians will continue to offer a welcoming environment rooted in hospitality, trust and mutual respect.” Tegbe said.
Tegbe described the celebration as a reflection of shared values, noting that both nations place people at the centre of development.
“The horse, in Chinese tradition, symbolises strength, endurance and progress. In Nigeria, it represents dignity, courage and the forward march of our people. Our partnership must continue to deliver real benefits to Nigerians and Chinese alike,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as the bedrock of the enduring friendship and the foundation of the comprehensive strategic partnership that has evolved over the past 55 years.
Agriculture and Industrial Growth
Highlighting cooperation in agriculture, Tegbe disclosed that Nigeria’s National Integrated Poultry Project modelled after China’s food security achievements would begin with an estimated $1 billion investment in Kaduna, Oyo and Enugu states.
The project is expected to produce six million eggs daily, house over seven million laying birds and two million broilers, and cultivate more than 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans. He said the initiative would also support local farmers through subsidised feedstock.
“This project is not merely about food security; it is about jobs, dignity and opportunity for Nigerians,” he said.
On industrialisation, Tegbe highlighted ongoing collaboration on steel production, particularly the planned revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which he described as a long-awaited turning point for Nigeria’s economy.
“With an expected output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum, a revitalised Ajaokuta will power industries, create jobs and position Nigeria as a leading manufacturing and innovation hub in Africa,” he said.
Education and Knowledge Exchange
On education and knowledge exchange, Tegbe called for expanded opportunities for Nigerian students in Chinese institutions and increased collaboration in research and innovation.
“These exchanges are building enduring bridges of knowledge and mutual understanding. In the year ahead, we seek to deepen cooperation through increased scholarships, joint research and shared innovation, culminating in the development of new industrial parks that will serve as hubs for manufacturing, technology and skills transfer,” he said.
China Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties
China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Mr Zhou Hongyou, said the anniversary celebration and the Chinese New Year Temple Fair were designed to deepen cultural dialogue and people-to-people engagement.
He described the Spring Festival as a global celebration that promotes peace and harmony, noting that China–Nigeria relations have been strengthened over decades through mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation.
“We will work together with the Nigerian side to organise a wide range of exchange activities. China–Nigeria relations have become a model of South–South cooperation,” Zhou said.
He noted that 2026, designated as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, offers an opportunity to further expand cultural, educational and technological cooperation.
“The Year of the Horse symbolises hard work, perseverance, unity and innovation. These values reflect the spirit of China–Nigeria relations and our shared commitment to development that benefits ordinary people,” he said.
Zhou also referenced recent milestones, including the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, as well as subsequent high-level visits that have advanced cooperation in trade, infrastructure, culture and education.
Cultural Exchange and Celebration
Also speaking, the Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria described the double celebration as a strong signal of friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.
“For 55 years, both countries have stood by each other. This mutually beneficial cooperation has supported development in both nations, especially benefiting the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Wushu Association, Mr Fu Bo, noted that the celebration aligned with the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
“Through wushu, we celebrate the Chinese New Year and pay tribute to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. We hope to connect the hearts of the two peoples through this millennium-old cultural heritage,” he said.
The event featured martial arts displays by the Chinese Wushu Association, as well as music and dance performances by Chinese and Nigerian artists. Guests also experienced authentic Chinese cuisine, tea ceremonies, calligraphy and traditional Chinese medicine.
Both countries expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to translate diplomatic goodwill into inclusive growth and shared prosperity for Nigerian and Chinese citizens alike.