Nigeria and China have strengthened their growing cultural and tourism partnership following the successful Second Meeting of the Nigeria–China Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee on Culture and Tourism, held virtually on Tuesday.
The meeting culminated in the formal signing of the Minutes of the Second Meeting in Abuja and Beijing respectively, by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, and the Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Lu Yingchuan, marking a significant milestone in the institutional relationship between both countries.
In his remarks, Dr. Muhammad described the signing as far more than a procedural requirement, noting that it represents a renewed commitment to the shared vision of Nigeria and China, and a practical step in deepening collaboration through established bilateral mechanisms under the Nigeria–China Inter-Governmental Committee.
He expressed appreciation to H.E. Lu Yingchuan for his partnership as Co-Chair of the Sub-Committee, and also acknowledged the presence of H.E. Yu Dunhai, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, and Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Center, alongside other senior officials and representatives of member institutions from both countries.
The Minutes signed at the meeting reflect a review of cooperation achieved in recent years, including sustained cultural dialogues and exchange programmes such as “Happy Chinese New Year” and “Tea for Harmony”, as well as expanding institutional linkages between museums and libraries. Nigeria’s participation in the International Alliance of Museums of the Silk Road was also highlighted as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural understanding and heritage collaboration.
Beyond capturing progress, both sides agreed that the Minutes also provide a forward-looking framework for deeper engagement. A major outcome of the meeting was the consensus to negotiate a 2026–2030 Cooperative Programme, intended to elevate the partnership to a more strategic level and broaden opportunities for cultural and tourism collaboration.
The areas of proposed cooperation outlined include museum exchanges and heritage conservation, strengthened links among national libraries and museums, publishing partnerships and copyright cooperation, and expanded collaboration in tourism research, including conference engagement, data exchange, and standards development. The meeting also highlighted emerging opportunities in the creative economy, including partnerships in game development and animation, as well as capacity development aimed at strengthening institutional competence in the sector.
In his own remarks, H.E. Lu Yingchuan reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria through the Sub-Committee platform and noted that the partnership remains guided by mutual understanding, mutual trust, and friendly consultation. He referenced the strong foundations of China–Nigeria relations over more than five decades and affirmed continued support for structured cultural exchange and capacity building.
Dr. Muhammad expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria–China cooperation in culture and tourism, describing it as a partnership capable of becoming a model of South–South collaboration. He noted that planned professional exchanges and people-centred programmes will help empower artists, curators, publishers, journalists, tourism experts, and creative entrepreneurs, while strengthening human capacity and institutional systems in both countries.
He added that the expanding partnership aligns with Nigeria’s national priorities, including economic diversification, job creation, and stronger international cooperation, consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the Ministry, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, remains committed to international partnerships that expand opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global cultural and tourism engagement
The meeting featured senior officials and representatives from both countries, including China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, and member institutions such as the National Administration of Press and Publication, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the National Museum of China, the National Library of China, and the China Tourism Academy. On Nigeria’s side, participants included representatives of departments of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and relevant institutions, including the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, among others.