Nigeria and China have intensified efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tourism, culture, and the creative economy, with both countries identifying the sectors as major drivers of economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and people-to-people relations.
This commitment was reaffirmed at the weekend during the 2026 China Tourism Day celebration hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCIN) in Abuja, where government officials, diplomats, tourism stakeholders, artists, and cultural enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the growing partnership between the two nations.
Speaking at the event, Yang Jianxing said tourism remains one of the most effective instruments for fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties among nations.
He explained that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Enjoying Quality Tourism, Exploring Beautiful Landscapes,” reflects the increasing global importance of tourism as a platform for intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, both China and Nigeria possess rich historical civilizations, diverse cultural identities, and globally recognised tourism assets capable of deepening cooperation between their peoples.
Yang cited iconic destinations including the Great Wall of China and Mount Tai, alongside Nigeria’s Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Zuma Rock, describing them as enduring cultural symbols that continue to connect civilizations across continents.
He noted that several joint cultural initiatives organised over the years by both countries, including the Happy Chinese New Year programmes and China-Nigeria Cultural and Tourism Festivals, had expanded cultural exchanges through artistic performances, traditional exhibitions, and culinary experiences.
“These activities have not only strengthened friendship between our peoples but have also promoted the spirit of harmony, mutual respect, and cultural inclusiveness,” he said.
Yang further disclosed that China was prepared to deepen collaboration with Nigeria under the framework of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with fresh opportunities expected in heritage preservation, tourism promotion, cultural innovation, and the creative industries.
He encouraged more Nigerians to explore educational and tourism opportunities in China while expressing optimism that more Chinese visitors would also discover Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, artistic diversity, and tourism potential.
Also addressing participants, Abdulkarim Ibrahim described the event as another milestone in the long-standing diplomatic and cultural relationship between Nigeria and China, which he said has continued to flourish for more than five decades.
Representing the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ibrahim said Nigeria has continued to benefit immensely from bilateral exchanges with China, particularly in training, cultural development, and educational cooperation.
He revealed that Nigerian acrobats trained in China are now performing internationally and projecting Nigeria’s cultural identity on the global stage.
Ibrahim also recalled his personal experience as a beneficiary of a Chinese government scholarship at Peking University, describing it as evidence of the depth of cooperation existing between both countries.
The Permanent Secretary praised China’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, developing tourism infrastructure, and maintaining attractive urban environments, noting that Nigeria could draw valuable lessons from China’s tourism model.
He stressed that Nigeria possesses enormous untapped tourism and creative assets capable of transforming the sector into a major contributor to national development and employment generation.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy remains focused on strengthening strategic international partnerships that would attract investment, encourage innovation, and expand opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism value chain.
He called on stakeholders across both countries to embrace stronger collaboration aimed at preserving cultural heritage, empowering creative talents, and building a globally competitive tourism industry.
Michael Olugbode
