China and Nigeria, two prominent nations on the world stage, have reaffirmed their commitment to a deepening bilateral partnership, underscored by a burgeoning trade relationship that surpassed $20 billion in 2024. This renewed commitment was emphasized during the Chinese New Year of the Snake celebrations in Abuja, Nigeria, where Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai highlighted the strategic importance of Nigeria, not just within Africa, but globally. The event served as a vibrant testament to the growing cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations, further solidifying the foundation of their comprehensive strategic partnership. This partnership, elevated following Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China, signifies a new era of collaboration and shared prosperity.
The celebration of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, provided a platform for over 2,000 Nigerians and Chinese to converge and participate in a vibrant display of cultural unity. The Spring Festival Temple Fair, an annual tradition organized by the Chinese Embassy, served as a symbol of shared values and mutual respect. Ambassador Dunhai emphasized the significance of the New Year as a time for celebration, reflection, and reunification, underscoring the desire to strengthen ties across all sectors of Nigerian and Chinese society. He expressed optimism for the future of the bilateral relationship, particularly in light of the significant trade volume achieved and the potential for further growth. Nigeria holds a prominent position in China’s African trade network, being the largest engineering contract market, the second largest export market, and the third largest trading partner.
The strengthened partnership between China and Nigeria is poised to flourish under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Ambassador Dunhai expressed China’s commitment to working alongside Nigeria to implement the ten FOCAC Action Partnerships, aiming to deliver tangible benefits to the citizens of both nations. These partnerships encompass a wide range of collaborative efforts, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, agriculture, health, education, and cultural exchange, contributing to sustainable development and mutual growth. The commitment to FOCAC underscores the broad scope of the China-Nigeria partnership and its potential to drive positive change within both countries.
Oraelumo Raphael, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, echoed the sentiments of collaboration and mutual respect, emphasizing the historical depth of the Nigeria-China relationship. He commended Ambassador Dunhai for his dedicated efforts in promoting cultural ties and highlighted the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of both nations. Recognizing the transformative power of cultural exchange, Raphael envisioned a future where Nigeria’s cultural richness gains global recognition, further enhancing its tourism potential and strengthening its international standing. He stressed the vital role of culture as a bridge between peoples, fostering understanding and appreciation.
The celebration of the Lunar New Year also provided an opportunity to showcase the diverse cultural landscape of Nigeria. Xu Tao, the Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, lauded Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural heritage, recognizing its status as an economic powerhouse within Africa. He drew attention to the vibrancy of Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry, its globally recognized cultural icons such as the Benin bronzes and Nok sculptures, and its historical landmarks like the Oyo Empire ruins and ancient Kano City. This recognition of Nigeria’s cultural wealth underscores the potential for further collaboration in the tourism and creative sectors, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between the two nations.
Looking ahead, 2025 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for the China-Nigeria partnership. With the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership following President Tinubu’s visit to China, both nations are poised to embark on a new chapter of collaboration. This partnership encompasses a multi-faceted approach, including strengthened trade ties, increased investment, enhanced cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and collaborative efforts within the FOCAC framework. The shared commitment to mutual growth and prosperity forms the bedrock of this strengthened partnership, promising a future of shared opportunities and achievements for both China and Nigeria. The Lunar New Year celebrations underscored the deep-rooted respect and shared aspirations that underpin this vital relationship, setting the stage for a productive and mutually beneficial year ahead.
