Nigeria and China on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to people-centred development, pledging that the next phase of their bilateral partnership will focus on projects that directly improve livelihoods, create jobs and deepen mutual understanding between citizens of both countries.
Nigerian Tribune reports that the recommitment was made at the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair held at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja, where officials from both countries also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
Director General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, said the celebration of the Year of the Horse captured the shared values underpinning the relationship, noting that both nations place people at the centre of development.
He said, “The horse, in Chinese tradition, symbolises strength, endurance and progress. In Nigeria, it represents dignity, courage and the forward march of our people. The partnership must continue to “deliver real benefits to Nigerians and Chinese alike.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as “the bedrock of our enduring friendship” and the foundation of the comprehensive strategic partnership that has evolved over 55 years.
Tegbe said Nigeria’s collaboration with China had moved beyond diplomacy to tangible development outcomes, citing investments in rail infrastructure and projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port as examples of cooperation that touch everyday lives.
Turning to agriculture, he disclosed that the Federal Government’s National Integrated Poultry Project, inspired by China’s food security achievements, would begin with an estimated $1 billion investment in Kaduna, Oyo and Enugu states.
“This project is not merely about food security; it is about jobs, dignity and opportunity for Nigerians. The initiative would produce six million eggs daily, support millions of birds, cultivate over 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans, and provide subsidised feedstock to local farmers.
He also highlighted the planned revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in partnership with China, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity to reposition Nigeria’s economy.
“With an expected output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum, a revitalised Ajaokuta will power industries, create jobs and place Nigeria firmly on the path of industrialisation,” he said.
On education and knowledge exchange, Tegbe said both countries were expanding scholarships, joint research and innovation, with plans for new industrial parks that would serve as hubs for manufacturing, technology and skills transfer.
“These initiatives go beyond infrastructure and trade; they are fundamentally about people,” he said, urging Chinese businesses to prioritise capacity building and shared growth.
China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the anniversary underscored decades of people-to-people engagement that had strengthened bilateral ties.
“Over the past 55 years, China–Nigeria relations have always upheld mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation,” Zhou said, adding that the partnership had become “a model of South–South cooperation.”
He said the temple fair was part of efforts to deepen cultural dialogue, describing the Spring Festival as a global celebration that promotes peace and harmony following its inscription on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
Zhou highlighted recent milestones, including the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation summit and subsequent high-level visits that had advanced cooperation in trade, infrastructure, culture and education.
He noted that 2026, designated the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, provided an opportunity to further strengthen cultural, educational and technological exchanges.
“The Year of the Horse symbolizes hard work, perseverance, unity and innovation. These values reflected the spirit of China–Nigeria relations and their shared commitment to development that benefits ordinary people,” he added.
The event featured cultural performances, exhibitions and interactive activities, as both sides expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to translate diplomatic goodwill into inclusive growth and shared prosperity for Nigerians and Chinese citizens alike.
