Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through cultural exchange, scientific innovation, technology transfer and agricultural cooperation.
The commitment was made on Saturday in Abuja at the “Seasonal Life & Harmonious China” Cultural Exhibition, organised at the China Cultural Center as part of activities marking the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
The event also comes as Nigeria and China commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.
Speaking at the exhibition, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing said cultural exchange remained a critical bridge for promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries.
According to him, Nigeria and China, despite their geographical distance, shared long histories, rich cultural traditions and values of openness and inclusiveness.
The exhibition showcased aspects of traditional Chinese culture through displays on the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, traditional food, Intangible Cultural Heritage crafts and interactive cultural activities.
The Twenty-Four Solar Terms, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, were presented as an expression of the Chinese people’s traditional understanding of nature and the importance of living in harmony with the environment.
He said the philosophy behind the solar terms also resonated with Nigerian values that emphasise respect for nature, tradition, family and community.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, said the theme of the exhibition offered an opportunity to reflect on the growing Nigeria-China partnership.
He described the relationship between both countries as “one that had evolved beyond trade to include agriculture, science, technology and innovation.”
Muhammed also congratulated the Communist Party of China (CPC) on its 105th anniversary, saying China’s transformation in socio-economic development, scientific innovation, poverty reduction and infrastructure demonstrated the impact of long-term strategic planning.
He said his recent technical visit to China’s Yangling High-tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone in Shaanxi Province had provided useful lessons for Nigeria, particularly in sustainable agriculture and water management.
According to him, Yangling demonstrated how modern technology could be combined with traditional farming practices to improve agricultural productivity while conserving scarce water resources.
The permanent secretary also highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy for products from 53 African countries, describing it as an opportunity for Nigerian agricultural commodities to gain stronger access to the Chinese market.
He identified sesame, ginger, cashew nuts and cocoa among Nigerian products with significant export potential.
He said the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology would seek stronger collaboration with Chinese institutions in areas including post-harvest loss reduction, agro-processing, sustainable agriculture and scientific research.
He disclosed plans to explore partnerships for the development of affordable solar-powered cold storage facilities for perishable agricultural products.
The ministry, he added, would also pursue technology transfer to enable Nigeria process commodities such as cassava, shea butter and cashew nuts into value-added products for the Chinese and global markets.