Nigeria and China have renewed efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in tourism, culture, and the creative economy, with both countries identifying the sectors as key drivers of economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and stronger people-to-people relations.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the 2026 China Tourism Day celebration hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria in Abuja. The event brought together government officials, diplomats, tourism stakeholders, artists, and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate the growing partnership between both nations.
Speaking at the event, Yang Jianxing described tourism as one of the most effective tools for promoting mutual understanding and strengthening international ties.
He explained that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Enjoying Quality Tourism, Exploring Beautiful Landscapes,” reflects the growing importance of tourism in encouraging intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence across the world.
Yang noted that both Nigeria and China possess rich historical civilizations, diverse cultural identities, and globally recognised tourism attractions capable of strengthening cooperation between their peoples.
He highlighted famous destinations such as the Great Wall of China and Mount Tai alongside Nigeria’s Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Zuma Rock, describing them as cultural landmarks connecting civilizations across continents.
According to him, several joint initiatives organised by both countries over the years — including the Happy Chinese New Year programmes and China-Nigeria Cultural and Tourism Festivals — have strengthened 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 revealed that China is prepared to expand collaboration with Nigeria under the framework of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with new opportunities expected in heritage preservation, tourism promotion, cultural innovation, and the creative industry.
He encouraged more Nigerians to explore educational and tourism opportunities in China while expressing optimism that more Chinese tourists would also discover Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Also speaking at the event, Abdulkarim Ibrahim described the occasion as another milestone in the over five-decade diplomatic and cultural relationship between Nigeria and China.
Representing the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ibrahim stated that Nigeria has benefited greatly from bilateral exchanges with China, particularly in training, cultural development, and education.
He disclosed that Nigerian acrobats trained in China are now performing internationally and showcasing 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 proof of the deep cooperation between both countries.
He praised China’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, developing tourism infrastructure, and maintaining modern urban environments, adding that Nigeria could learn valuable lessons from China’s tourism development model.
According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous untapped tourism and creative assets capable of transforming the sector into a major contributor to economic development and job creation.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy remains committed to strengthening international partnerships that would attract investment, promote innovation, and create more opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism value chain.
Ibrahim further called on stakeholders from both countries to embrace stronger collaboration aimed at preserving cultural heritage, empowering creative talents, and building a globally competitive tourism industry.