Nigeria and China have renewed commitment to expand cooperation in tourism, culture and the creative economy, describing the sectors as key to economic growth and people-to-people ties.
The pledge was made Saturday at the 2026 China Tourism Day event hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. Officials, diplomats, artists and tourism stakeholders attended the gathering.
China Cultural Centre Director Yang Jianxing said tourism is a major tool for mutual understanding. He said this year’s theme, “Enjoying Quality Tourism, Exploring Beautiful Landscapes,” reflects tourism’s role in intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Yang pointed to shared cultural assets including China’s Great Wall and Mount Tai, and Nigeria’s Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Zuma Rock. He cited joint initiatives like the Happy Chinese New Year programmes and China-Nigeria Cultural and Tourism Festivals as platforms that have expanded exchanges through performances, exhibitions and culinary events.
“These activities have not only strengthened friendship between our peoples but have also promoted the spirit of harmony, mutual respect, and cultural inclusiveness,” Yang said.
He added that China is ready to deepen collaboration under the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with new opportunities in heritage preservation, tourism promotion, cultural innovation and creative industries.
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Abdulkarim Ibrahim, who also spoke at the event, called it another milestone in more than five decades of Nigeria-China diplomatic and cultural relations.
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