China is willing to strengthen cultural exchanges and foster cooperation with Nigeria, specifically in culture, tourism, education, and the creative economy.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made this known in May 2025 during the United Nations International Tea Day.
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside China’s President, Xi Jinping.
The special event brought together officials and friends of China-Nigeria. It featured various cultural performances, including elegant Yue Opera and pipa music by Chinese artists, as well as Chinese calligraphy and painting exhibitions and experience sessions.
The celebration highlighted the significance of Chinese tea culture in bridging the two nations’ civilisations and acknowledged the recent flourishing of China-Nigeria tea trade, marked by Hainan Baisha tea’s entry into the Nigerian market in 2024.
The Ambassador said the coming year is the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchange.
His words: “The Embassy will always be committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, creative economy and other fields to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.”
The envoy added that China-Nigeria cultural exchanges show the critical historical mission of promoting mutual learning between civilisations and connecting the hearts and minds of the two countries.
He added, “Last year, the two heads of state met in Beijing and jointly agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties.
“We are implementing the three-year (2025-2027) ‘Ten Partnership Actions for Modernisation to deepen China-Africa Cooperation’ with Nigeria and 52 African countries. And cultural exchange is an essential part of this initiative.
“The year 2026 is the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange’, and China-Nigeria cultural exchanges shoulder the critical historical mission of promoting mutual learning between civilisations and connecting hearts and minds of the two countries.
“President Xi Jinping emphasised that exchanges and Mutual Learning Make civilisations richer and more colourful.”
As reported by Arise News, the envoy expressed pleasure at the two countries’ increasingly close cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and many other fields.
He added: “Nigerian students learn tea art and opera in China and showcase Nigerian music and dance culture in China; Chinese volunteers promote Chinese language and tea culture in Nigeria and learn local languages and cultures; from the historical legacy of the ‘Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Route’ to the future vision of the ‘Digital Silk Road’, culture has always served as the bond connecting the peoples of China and Nigeria.”
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Yu described tea as a symbol of peace, connection, and mutual respect.
“China and Nigeria have many shared cultural values; tea represents harmony, connection, and respect.
“This platform allows us to interact more deeply with the Nigerian people, exchanging not just beverages, but values and ideas,” he said.
The Ambassador also reiterated China’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in value-added agricultural production, primarily through tea-related trade, agro-processing, and cultural tourism initiatives.
The chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy expressed support for initiatives that position culture as both a source of identity and an engine for economic growth.
“This event is an eye-opener. We must put in place laws that strengthen cultural identity and position culture as an economic driver,” he stated, stressing the importance of media in promoting and exporting Nigeria’s cultural wealth to the global stage.
In his remarks, Dr. Muhktar Mohamm, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, expressed Nigeria’s readiness to harness the creative and economic opportunities offered by tea culture.
Mohammed said: “We are supporting creative industries centred around tea. Nigeria can tap into the global tea economy by promoting festivals and developing tea-themed tourism while preserving local culture.”
Also speaking, Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, described tea as “a symbol of peace and patience,” emphasising its role in transcending boundaries and bringing communities together.
Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), represented by his special assistant, Alhaji Suleiman Musa, described the event as an opportunity to highlight our values, talents, and potential to a global audience.
Stay updated with the latest developments in Nigeria’s tourism sector by exploring our Nigeria Tourism News section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of the China-Nigeria cultural exchange?
The China-Nigeria cultural exchange fosters mutual understanding, promotes shared cultural values, and strengthens diplomatic and economic ties, particularly through cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and the creative economy.
How is tea culture important in China-Nigeria relations?
Tea culture symbolises peace, harmony, and connection between China and Nigeria. It serves as a cultural bridge and a growing trade commodity, with initiatives like introducing Hainan Baisha tea to the Nigerian market.
What events highlight China-Nigeria cultural cooperation?
Events like the “Tea for Harmony, Yaji Cultural Salon” during the United Nations International Tea Day showcase cultural performances and exhibitions and promote deeper people-to-people exchanges.
What are the future plans for China-Nigeria cooperation?
The two countries plan to deepen cooperation through the ‘Ten Partnership Actions for Modernisation’ (2025-2027), which will focus on cultural exchange, agro-processing, education, tourism, and creative industries.
How does the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchange’ impact Nigeria?
The initiative promotes cultural and people-to-people exchanges, enhancing mutual learning and friendship, while opening opportunities for Nigeria to expand its cultural and economic engagement with China and other African countries.
How are Nigerian students involved in cultural exchange with China?
Nigerian students participate in learning Chinese tea art and opera while showcasing Nigerian music and dance in China, fostering mutual cultural appreciation.
What role does the creative economy play in China-Nigeria relations?
The creative economy is a key area of cooperation, with both countries supporting industries that leverage cultural heritage, such as tea-themed tourism and cultural festivals, to drive economic growth.
