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Nigeria and China have explored new avenues for strengthening cultural relations and expanding cooperation in tourism, hospitality and the creative economy through the 2026 Nigeria-China Food Festival.
The festival, held in Abuja under the theme, “Bridging Culture through Cuisine,” brought together government officials, diplomats, hospitality professionals, food entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners from both countries.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, described food as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy and international friendship.
Musawa said food went beyond satisfying hunger, stressing that it preserved cultural heritage, created employment, conveyed history and provided a platform for people from different backgrounds to connect.
She noted that the festival was particularly significant as Nigeria and China commemorate 55 years of formal diplomatic relations, established on February 10, 1971.
According to her, the relationship between the two countries has expanded from traditional diplomatic engagement to a broad strategic partnership covering trade, infrastructure, education, technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
She pointed to the growing popularity of Nigerian music, films and literature in China and the increasing interest in Chinese language, arts, martial arts and other cultural expressions in Nigeria as evidence of the deepening people-to-people relationship.
The minister said the partnership demonstrated that lasting friendship between nations was built not only through government-to-government engagements, but also through cultural interaction and shared human experiences.
Musawa also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, established in 2024, in strengthening Nigeria's creative and cultural industries, promoting tourism and creating an environment for increased investment.
She said the Federal Government was implementing policy, financing and institutional reforms aimed at unlocking the economic potential of culture and creativity while creating more opportunities for young Nigerians.
The minister identified gastronomy as a major component of Nigeria's tourism economy, noting that food and beverages had become the country's largest tourism subsector.
She explained that culinary experiences were increasingly influencing travel decisions, making Nigerian cuisine an important element of the country's tourism identity and international cultural appeal.
Musawa therefore called for stronger Nigeria-China collaboration in gastronomy, culinary education, hospitality, tourism development and creative entrepreneurship.
She said the shared values of family, hospitality, community and friendship in both societies provided a strong foundation for using food as a bridge between the peoples of Nigeria and China.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the festival provided more than an opportunity to taste different dishes, describing it as a platform for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
Zhou said Nigeria and China were ancient civilisations with rich and diverse culinary traditions, adding that food remained an important part of the cultural identity of both countries.
He explained that China's geographical diversity, climate, agricultural produce and lifestyles had contributed to the development of distinct regional cuisines.
According to him, the festival featured 14 Chinese dishes representing seven major regions of China, while participants also had the opportunity to experience 12 Nigerian dishes drawn from the country's six geopolitical zones.
He added that cultural performances and food exhibitions further complemented the culinary showcase.
Zhou expressed optimism that the event would deepen mutual appreciation and strengthen friendship between Nigerians and Chinese.
He also drew attention to the growing economic relationship between both countries, saying China imported nearly $2.3 billion worth of Nigerian goods in the first half of 2026, representing an increase of almost 80 per cent over the corresponding period in 2025.
He said total bilateral trade during the period stood at about $18 billion, reflecting a 35 per cent year-on-year increase.
The Chinese envoy further highlighted China's zero-tariff policy for African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, describing it as an opportunity for Nigeria to increase exports to the Chinese market.
He expressed hope that an early-harvest arrangement would be concluded to allow businesses and citizens in both countries to take advantage of the emerging trade opportunities.
Zhou reaffirmed China's commitment to expanding people-to-people exchanges with Nigeria through education, culture, sports, arts and youth development.
He said China was prepared to work with Nigeria in line with the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and the Global Civilization Initiative to promote mutual understanding and shared development.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) described the festival as an avenue to promote culture, friendship, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The NIHOTOUR chief executive said the theme, “From Farm to Feast,” captured the entire food value chain, from farmers and producers to chefs and consumers, while highlighting the connection between cultural heritage and economic opportunity.
He noted that although Nigeria and China have different ingredients and culinary techniques, both countries recognise food as a powerful means of bringing people together.
According to him, the festival created opportunities for cultural exchange through cuisine, music, arts, crafts and hospitality, while encouraging knowledge-sharing and enterprise development.
He said NIHOTOUR's mandate extended beyond training workers for hotels and restaurants, stressing that the institute was focused on developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria's ambition to become a leading tourism and hospitality destination.
The official identified Nigeria's diverse culinary traditions, including its rice dishes, soups, spices, grains, seafood and other indigenous delicacies, as a strong foundation for developing food tourism.
He called for greater efforts to package, standardise, market and commercialise Nigeria's culinary heritage while preserving its authenticity.
The NIHOTOUR boss commended the China Cultural Centre and the Chinese Embassy for partnering with the institute to organise the festival.
He said the real success of the initiative would be reflected in the partnerships, investment opportunities, skills transfer and cultural exchanges generated from it.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained collaboration through initiatives such as the Nigeria-China Food Festival would deepen bilateral relations, strengthen the hospitality and tourism sectors, create new business opportunities and contribute to shared prosperity.
The festival also featured a wide variety of Nigerian and Chinese cuisine alongside cultural performances and exhibitions showcasing the rich traditions of both countries.
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