The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has proudly celebrated the upcoming 2026 Chinese Lunar New Year with a vibrant Temple Fair in Abuja, marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.
Taking place at the China Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the event attracted a diverse crowd, including diplomats, government officials, members of the Chinese community, and Nigerian guests.
The day-long celebration featured an array of cultural exhibitions, martial arts displays, musical performances, traditional art, games, and an exciting selection of Chinese cuisine, all in honor of the ‘Year of the Horse.’
In his remarks, Zhou Hongyou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, emphasized the significance of the Spring Festival, calling it the most important cultural celebration in China. He highlighted its themes of reunion, continuity, and shared heritage that resonate with hundreds of millions of families worldwide.
Zhou pointed out that the global celebration of the 2026 Spring Festival, set for February 17, has received heightened international recognition after its inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in late 2024. This recognition, he noted, underscores the festival’s universal values of peace, harmony, and cultural exchange.
He explained that the Temple Fair was designed not only as a cultural event but also as a means to strengthen ties between Chinese and Nigerian communities through shared experiences in cuisine, art, sports, and tradition.
Reflecting on the longstanding bilateral relationship, Zhou recalled that diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria were officially established on February 10, 1971, evolving into a cooperative partnership that spans various sectors.
“Over the past 55 years, regardless of changes in the international landscape, both sides have always upheld mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation. From political mutual trust and economic cooperation to people-to-people exchanges, China–Nigeria relations have grown ever stronger and more fruitful,” he said.
He described the relationship as a strong example of South–South cooperation, noting steady growth in bilateral trade and sustained collaboration on major infrastructure projects. He added that both countries are currently in discussions on zero-tariff measures aimed at supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda.
During the Temple Fair, Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), spoke about the significance of the Year of the Horse, highlighting how its symbolism resonates deeply with both nations. He noted that this year reflects shared values of resilience, courage, and progress.
Tegbe emphasized both Nigeria’s and China’s commitment to furthering cooperation and achieving shared prosperity, driven by a spirit of determination and mutual respect.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China Principle, describing it as the cornerstone of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has flourished over the past five decades, continuing to provide tangible benefits for citizens of both countries.
The celebration, according to Tegbe, was not only a reflection of past achievements but also a look toward the future, particularly following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Beijing in September 2024 and the subsequent elevation of bilateral relations during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
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