China-Nigeria Friendship Gallops: 55 Years Celebrated at Lunar New Year Gala

As the nations’ Partnership Charges Forward
$1bn Poultry Boom, Ajaokuta Steel Revival

By Linda Ike

China’s top envoy in Nigeria, Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Hongyou has hailed the strategic mutual trust and profound friendship between Nigeria and China
during a vibrant Happy Chinese New Year Temple Fair celebrating both the Lunar New Year and 55 years of diplomatic ties since 1971.

Zhou spotlighted milestones like upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership post-2024 FOCAC Summit, booming trade with zero-tariff consultations, infrastructure wins, and people-to-people bridges including Ni Hao China radio and school China Corners.

“After 55 years of working hand in hand, China–Nigeria cooperation has become a model of South–South cooperation,” he declared, vowing 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to deepen governance swaps and modernization.

The festive event featured Wushu martial arts, Chinese-Nigerian performances, authentic cuisine, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and a photo exhibit, with ping-pong against Nigerian champs and visa policy updates.

Zhou linked the Year of the Horse mirroring Nigeria’s Coat of Arms to their shared hard work, perseverance, unity and innovation, pledging a high-level community with a shared future for generations.

Joseph Tegbe, Director General of Nigeria China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), reaffirmed Nigeria’s One-China commitment and unveiling ambitious projects inspired by President Tinubu’s 2024 Beijing visit with Xi Jinping.

Tegbe spotlighted China’s infrastructure wins like the rail revolution and Lekki Deep Sea Port, and a $1 billion National Integrated Poultry Project launching in Kaduna, Oyo, and Enugu, aiming for 6 million daily eggs, 7 million laying birds, and 60,000 hectares of feed crops to ignite jobs and food security.

Ajaokuta Steel’s revival targets 10 million metric tonnes annually through Chinese collaboration, alongside expanded knowledge exchanges, scholarships, and industrial parks.

“These initiatives go beyond infrastructure and trade, they are fundamentally about people,” he declared, urging Chinese firms to prioritize skills transfer in Nigeria’s welcoming market.