By Lawal Sale
The People’s Republic of China has reiterated its Commitment to Deepening ties with Nigeria just as the two countries are set to mark 55 years of establishing diplomatic relations. This was stated on Saturday by the Chargé de Affairs of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou at the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair and Gala in Abuja. The two events symbolised the long-standing friendship between China and Nigeria.
Zhou described the Spring Festival as the most important traditional festival for the Chinese people and noted that the 2026 Lunar New Year, to be celebrated globally on February 17, follows the successful inscription of the Spring Festival on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in late 2024.
According to him, the festival has evolved into a global celebration that embodies the values of peace, harmony and family unity.
The envoy noted that the temple fair featured martial arts performances by the Chinese Wushu Association, cultural displays by Chinese and Nigerian artists, exhibitions on Chinese Spring Festival traditions and tourism, as well as interactive activities aimed at fostering people-to-people exchanges between both countries.
He also highlighted recent developments in China’s domestic governance, noting that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China had adopted recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), which he said would inject stability and positive energy into the global system.
He described the event as a practical manifestation of the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at promoting dialogue and mutual learning between civilizations, including those of China and Nigeria.
Reflecting on bilateral relations, Zhou recalled that China and Nigeria established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971, and have since maintained relations based on mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation despite changes in the international landscape.
On the existing China–Nigeria strong relations, the envoy said the two friendly nations had witnessed historic progress in their relations in recent years, particularly following the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Zhou also referenced the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Nigeria in early 2025, which he said helped to implement agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders and further advance bilateral cooperation.
The envoy added that cooperation between China and Nigeria had expanded beyond trade to become a model of South–South cooperation, citing progress in infrastructure development, growing trade volumes, discussions on zero-tariff measures, and expanding cultural and educational exchanges.
He highlighted initiatives such as the launch of the Chinese-language radio programme “Ni Hao! China” on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, increased student exchanges, joint scientific research, and the establishment of “China Corners” in Nigerian schools.
The envoy said 2026, designated as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, presents an opportunity to further strengthen cultural ties, governance experience-sharing and cooperation toward modernization.
He drew symbolic parallels between the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar and the horse featured on Nigeria’s Coat of Arms, noting that both represent strength, perseverance and forward momentum—qualities he said define China–Nigeria relations.
Zhou expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties, pledging continued cooperation in political engagement, trade, investment and cultural exchanges to ensure that the friendship between both countries benefits future generations.
Dignitaries at the occasion were Joseph Tegbe, the Director-General of the Nigeria China Strategic Partnership, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, representative of the Nigerian minister of foreign affairs among other notable Nigerians and Chinese community in Nigeria (GSF)
