By Miriam Humbe
Deputy Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou has assured that Beijing was committed to strengthening ties with Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.
Zhou Hongyou said this during the 2025 China–Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival held in Abuja.
He said that Nigeria was among 53 African countries set to enjoy zero-tariff treatment on all exports to China.
Officials have described the move as a major boost for trade and economic cooperation for both nations.
Zhou said: “President Xi Jinping has pledged that China will implement zero tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for 53 African countries, and this includes Nigeria.
“This marks a new chapter in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and will open wider doors for Nigerian goods in the Chinese market.”
The Chinese Deputy Ambassador who said he was a first timer in Nigeria, described the China–Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival as “a vibrant symbol of cultural diplomacy”.
He said: “China and Nigeria are both ancient civilisations with a rich heritage.
“Despite the long distance, our people are growing closer through cultural and tourism exchanges.
“Together, we can build a high-quality China–Nigeria community with a shared future.”
Describing cultural diplomacy as equally vital, the envoy said that events like the Abuja festival showcased the shared heritage of both nations.
Permanent Secretary in Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, said that culture and trade were intertwined in strengthening relations.
Dr. Muhammad said: “Culture and tourism are not only about identity and heritage; they are strong drivers of economic growth.
“With the zero-tariff policy, our creative industry, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors have greater opportunities in China.
“Festivals such as this are platforms for cultural diplomacy, creative exchange, and mutual understanding between nations.
“Culture and tourism are not only vehicles of identity and heritage but also powerful drivers of economic growth and job creation.”
Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi said the festival was “a bridge of friendship”.
Akinremi said that the festival underscored how cultural cooperation was essential in deepening bilateral relations and stressed that cultural partnerships between Nigeria and China remained vital in deepening bilateral relations.
He said: “This gathering is a testimony to the strong and friendly relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China—two giants in their regions and influential partners in global development”.
Co-hosted by the Chinese Cultural Center in Abuja and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the event showcased cultural performances, exhibitions, cuisine, and fashion from both nations.
It highlighted the growing partnership between Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and China, Asia’s second-largest economy.
