By SARAFINA CHRISTOPHER

China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen collaboration in tourism, culture and the creative economy to boost economic growth, cultural exchange and people-to-people relations.

The two countries made the pledge on Thursday during the 2026 China Tourism Day celebration organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.

According to Mr Yang Jianxing, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, tourism serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations.

Yang, who is also the Director, China Cultural Centre, noted that both countries possessed rich cultural heritages and tourism attractions capable of deepening bilateral ties.

“From the Great Wall and Mount Tai in China to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Forest and Zuma Rock in Nigeria, these landmarks act as silent messengers, building a solid bridge of mutual understanding between our peoples,” he said.

Yang also said that China was willing to deepen practical cooperation with Nigeria in areas such as cultural heritage protection, tourism promotion and creative industry development.

“We welcome more Nigerian friends to learn Chinese, visit China in person, explore its magnificent landscapes and experience its long-standing civilisation,” he said.

He added that China was also looking forward to receiving more Nigerians under the framework of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Mr Aare Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) said that stronger institutional collaboration between both countries would enhance Nigeria’s tourism potential.

“China’s remarkable tourism story stands today as a global model of strategic planning, infrastructure development, cultural preservation, innovation and human capital advancement,” Fagade said.

According to him, Nigeria can benefit immensely from partnerships in tourism education, hospitality training, destination management and tourism technology.

“We believe stronger institutional partnerships between Nigeria and China in tourism, education, hospitality training, cultural exchange and destination management will significantly contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of our sector,” he said.

Mr Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, represented by Mr Yohanna Evandu, said tourism remained a powerful tool for cultural exchange and economic prosperity.

“Tourism bridges gaps, fosters friendships and creates opportunities for shared prosperity,” he said.

Evandu added that the collaboration between Nigeria and China continued to provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, investment and people-to-people connections.

Mrs Olubunmi Olowokere, Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said tourism is a catalyst for peace, community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.

“Tourism must not only entertain people; it must empower communities, generate sustainable livelihoods and project positive national identity,” she said.

Olowokere added that Abuja possessed enormous tourism and creative economic potential capable of positioning the city as a leading tourism destination in Africa.

She also commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening Nigeria-China relations through tourism initiatives.

Participants, cultural performers and dignitaries pose for a group photograph during the 2026 China Tourism Day celebration organised by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured cultural performances by Nigerian and Chinese artistes, traditional music, dance and artistic displays from both countries

Guests were treated to exhibitions highlighting the rich cultural heritage and tourism attractions of Nigeria and China.(NAN)

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