China focuses on better collaboration with Nigeria
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Amb. Yu Dunhai
China focuses on better collaboration with Nigeria
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reaffirmed China’s dedication to deepening its partnership with Nigeria, as trade between the two nations exceeded $20bn in 2024.
Speaking at the Chinese New Year of the Snake celebration in Abuja, on Saturday, Dunhai highlighted Nigeria’s significance on the African and global stage.
Dunhai pointed to the strengthening of bilateral ties, elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership following President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China.
He identified cultural and people-to-people exchanges as vital components of the relationship, which were celebrated during the annual Spring Festival Temple Fair.
The event, held in Abuja, brought together over 2,000 Nigerians and Chinese to foster cultural unity.
“The year 2025 is going to be a big year for China and Nigeria. This is because last year, President Bola Tinubu paid a state visit to China, and the two presidents agreed to elevate our bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and one of the pillars for this relationship is the very close people-to-people and cultural exchange.
“So, for the Chinese Embassy, each year we organise this Spring Festival Temple Fair and this year, we invited over 2,000, both Nigerians and Chinese to celebrate together with us. This is because the start of the Chinese New Year is usually a time for celebration, a time for reflection, and also a time for reunification.
“We look forward to working with people from all walks of life in Nigeria to materialise the very important consensus we reached between our two heads of state and bring our two countries’ cooperation to a new level.
“The trade volume between both countries exceeded $20bn dollars last year, and I think Nigeria is the largest engineering contract, the second largest exporting market, and the third largest trade partner for China in Africa. And of course, we would like to work with Nigeria to bring our trade volume to an even higher because we see there is a big potential,” the ambassador stated.
Dunhai expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-China relations, particularly under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation.
“We look forward to working with Nigeria to implement the 10 Action Partnerships and bring tangible benefits to the people of both nations,” he stated.
China focuses on better collaboration with Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Oraelumo Raphael, commended the ambassador’s efforts to promote cultural ties.
Raphael stressed the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of both nations, highlighting Nigeria’s tourism potential and envisioning a future where its culture is globally recognised.
The acting permanent secretary noted, “The relationship between Nigeria and China is steeped in history, marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations. Just as the snake sheds its skin to embrace new beginnings, our bilateral ties continue to evolve, reflecting our commitment to wisdom and transformation.
“This year, as we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our cultural connections, which serve as a bridge between our peoples.
“Both Nigeria and China boast rich and diverse cultures, with deep historical roots that resonate through our contemporary contexts. Moreover, the goodwill that China has extended towards Nigeria in various sectors, particularly in culture and tourism, has been instrumental in enhancing our bilateral relationship.”
He concluded, “We envision a future where our cultural interactions flourish, creating a network of shared experiences that benefit both nations.”
Furthermore, the Deputy Director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Xu Tao, celebrated Nigeria’s cultural and natural wealth.
Tao praised Nigeria’s status as an economic powerhouse, renowned for its vibrant Nollywood industry, iconic treasures like the Benin bronzes and Nok sculptures, and historical sites such as the Oyo Empire ruins and ancient Kano City.
