The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, said as Nigeria and Republic of China celebrates 55 years of friendship, let us use food to open new doors of cooperation in gastronomy, tourism, hospitality, cultural exchange, culinary education and creative entrepreneurship.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, stated this at the Nigeria – China Food festival with the theme “Bridging cultures through cuisine” held today at the Chinese Cultural Center, Abuja.
This particular festival is significant according to the Minister because 2026 marks 55 years of formal diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China which was established on February 10, 1971.
She emphasized that over the five and a half decade, the two countries’ relationship has grown from diplomatic ties into a strategic partnership encompassing trade, infrastructure, education, technology, culture and people -to- people exchanges.
Musawa, said food does not merely nourishes but tells a story, preserve heritage, creates livelihoods and brings people together, adding that “every dish carries the history, creativity and identity of the people who prepare it”.
She emphasized that festivals like this provides platforms for our chefs, food entrepreneurs, hospitality businesses, cultural practitioners to exchange knowledge, reach new markets and tell Nigeria’s story through flavour.
According to the Minister, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy established in 2024, has been working to provide stronger policy direction, improve the creative and cultural ecosystem, promote tourism, strengthen investment opportunities and position Nigeria’s heritage as an important economic asset.
She noted that the Ministry recognizes the enormous potential of these sectors to drive economic growth, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s global influence.
The Minister promised a continued building of a long standing relationship, affirming that, this festival will strengthen the bonds between Nigeria and China, create new opportunities for our creative and tourism sectors, and many more years of friendship and cooperation.
Earlier, the Chinese d’ Affaires ad interim Zhou HongYou, while delivering his speech said that this year marks 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China, adding that, for more than 50 years, the two countries have always respected and supported each other and have continued to deepened their mutual beneficial cooperation.
He mentioned that under the strategic guidance of President Tinubu and President Xi Jinping “our comprehensive strategic partnership has gained stronger momentum”, entering a. “Fast track” of high quality development.
Hongyou disclosed that both Nigeria and China are ancient civilizations boasting rich and magnificent culinary cultures, adding that, food is a top priority to the people and every dish carries a nation’s history, and every flavor tells the story of people’s love and their lives.
He maintained that in China’s geographical settings, there are 14 dishes from China’s seven regions, emphasizing that the guests will also taste from 12 dishes from Nigeria’s 6 zones to celebrate the long standing relationship between the two countries.
Amadi Uloma Nneka, anipr
Head (Press and PR)
August 27, 2026
