Nigeria and China have celebrated 55 years of diplomatic relations with a food festival in Abuja aimed at strengthening cultural exchange, tourism cooperation and economic ties between both countries.
The Nigeria-China Food Festival, held at the China Cultural Centre, brought together government officials, diplomats, hospitality professionals, creatives and other stakeholders to explore the role of cuisine in promoting friendship and people-to-people relations.
Speaking at the event, China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Mr Zhou Hongyou, described food as a powerful platform for fostering mutual understanding among people of different cultures.
He said the festival showcased 14 dishes from China’s seven geographical regions and 12 dishes representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, alongside cultural performances and exhibitions.
According to Zhou, Nigeria-China relations have deepened considerably over the past 55 years, particularly in trade and economic cooperation.
He disclosed that bilateral trade between both countries reached 18 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Chinese imports from Nigeria, he added, stood at about 2.3 billion dollars during the period, recording an 80 per cent increase.
The Chinese envoy urged both countries to conclude arrangements for China’s proposed zero-tariff policy for African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Aare Fagade, said the festival demonstrated the enormous potential of food as a tool for cultural diplomacy, tourism development and economic growth.
He urged stakeholders to harness Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage and develop it into a globally recognised food-tourism industry capable of attracting visitors and creating employment opportunities.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said gastronomy remained an important component of Nigeria’s tourism economy with significant potential for job creation, investment and the strengthening of the country’s global cultural identity.
Musawa said the festival created opportunities for chefs, food entrepreneurs, creatives and hospitality businesses from Nigeria and China to exchange ideas, access new markets and deepen people-to-people relations.
The event, themed “Bridging Cultures Through Cuisines,” also featured music, arts, crafts and hospitality displays.
Participants were encouraged to leverage cultural exchange and culinary diplomacy to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
