Nigeria, China Celebrate 55 Years of Diplomatic Ties, Pledge Stronger Partnership
Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across key sectors, describing their 55-year diplomatic relationship as a model of mutual respect, shared growth and people-centred development.
The pledge was made during the 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr Joseph Tegbe, said the alliance has grown beyond diplomacy and trade into a transformative development partnership.
“It is a profound honour to celebrate the Year of the Horse and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China. The horse symbolises strength and progress in both our cultures, reminding us that our nations share the same spirit of resilience,” Tegbe said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the One-China Principle, describing it as the foundation of bilateral cooperation, and noted that the partnership had delivered tangible benefits in infrastructure, agriculture and knowledge exchange.
Tegbe also highlighted the National Integrated Poultry Project, a China-backed initiative with an estimated investment of one billion dollars.
On trade relations, he revealed that trade volume between the two countries reached 23 billion dollars in 2025, calling the figure “clear evidence of a thriving and expanding partnership.”
China’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Zhou Hongyou, described the event as a celebration of enduring friendship between the two nations.
“Over the past 55 years, both sides have upheld mutual respect and win-win cooperation. China–Nigeria relations have become a model of South–South cooperation,” he said.
Zhou added that consultations were ongoing on zero-tariff measures, expanded student exchanges, and deeper cultural collaboration, including the Chinese-language programme Ni Hao! China aired on Radio Nigeria.
Also speaking, Counselor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Mr Yang Jianxing, thanked Nigerians for their support, saying, “The friendship between our peoples is like one big family. Together we will continue to grow and prosper.”
The celebration featured martial arts displays, cultural exhibitions and Chinese cuisine, highlighting the growing people-to-people ties between Nigeria and China.
