Experts in diplomacy, governance and international relations have stressed the importance of knowledge sharing and policy dialogue in strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and China, describing mutual learning as a vital component of the expanding bilateral relationship.

The call was made during a roundtable discussion on “The Governance of China and Knowledge Sharing in Nigeria-China Cooperation: Implications for Mutual Learning,” organised by the Centre for China Studies and held at the China General Chamber in Abuja.

The forum brought together government officials, diplomats, academics, researchers and foreign policy analysts to examine governance practices and development experiences that could support stronger collaboration between the two countries.

Addressing participants, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Wang Jun, said China’s governance experience offers useful insights into addressing contemporary development challenges. He noted that the series , “The Governance of China,” which compiles speeches and writings of Chinese President Xi Jinping, provides a comprehensive understanding of China’s policy direction, development philosophy and governance approach.

According to him, the publication highlights practical strategies that have contributed to China’s socio-economic transformation, particularly in poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and long-term development planning.

Wang observed that China’s success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted development policies and strategic governance. He added that China remains committed to sharing its development experience with African countries while respecting their unique political, economic and social realities.

He stressed that sustained dialogue among scholars, policymakers and development practitioners would promote greater understanding and contribute to efforts aimed at improving governance and economic growth across the continent.

In his presentation, Director of the Centre for China Studies, Charles Onunaiju, said Nigeria-China relations have witnessed significant growth since both countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.

He noted that cooperation between the two nations has expanded across several sectors, including infrastructure development, agriculture, industrialisation, trade, investment, education and cultural exchange.

Onunaiju argued that beyond economic cooperation, intellectual engagement and policy-oriented discussions should become an important pillar of bilateral relations.

He maintained that deeper research collaborations and exchanges of ideas would help unlock new opportunities and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria-China cooperation reach broader segments of society.

Also speaking, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, examined key themes contained in the five volumes of “The Governance of China” and related publications.

He said the books provide insight into China’s policy priorities, including poverty eradication, rule of law, ecological sustainability, national security, modernisation and international cooperation.

According to him, one of the major lessons from China’s development trajectory is the importance of designing policies that reflect a country’s specific realities while maintaining consistency in long-term national planning.

Ghali identified initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, environmental conservation programmes and policies aimed at promoting shared prosperity as examples of experiences from which developing nations could draw valuable lessons.

He further highlighted the growing scope of Nigeria-China collaboration in infrastructure, energy, media, technology and digital development, describing the relationship as increasingly strategic.

Participants at the dialogue agreed that continued engagement between academic institutions, government agencies and policy experts from both countries would help deepen mutual understanding and support the implementation of development-focused partnerships.

They described knowledge exchange as an essential tool for sustaining the momentum of Nigeria-China relations and advancing shared development objectives.

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Nigeria and China have deepened cultural cooperation with the unveiling of an innovative exhibition that combines traditional Chinese artistic heritage with modern virtual reality technology.

The event, hosted at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, attracted diplomats, government officials, students, artists, media professionals and cultural enthusiasts eager to explore China’s rich history and contemporary creativity through immersive experiences.

Speaking at the occasion, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, said the exhibition was designed to create a meaningful connection between tradition and innovation. He noted that by integrating classical art forms with advanced digital technology, visitors are offered a fresh perspective on Chinese civilisation.

According to Yang, the exhibition showcases works produced by emerging talents from some of China’s leading art institutions, including the China Academy of Art and the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The collection features calligraphy, paintings and seal-carving works that reflect both the enduring legacy and evolving character of Chinese artistic expression.

Yang described the exhibition as particularly significant as it coincides with preparations for the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China in 2026, a year that will also be observed as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Representing Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Permanent Secretary Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad emphasized the growing opportunities for collaboration between both countries. He observed that cultural engagement remains an important foundation for broader partnerships in science, technology and innovation.

Muhammad said Nigeria, as Africa’s largest population centre, stands to gain from sustained exchanges that promote knowledge-sharing, technological advancement and mutual understanding. He added that the event provides an avenue for strengthening existing bilateral agreements and expanding areas of cooperation.

Also speaking, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, praised the China Cultural Centre for its role in fostering closer ties between the two nations through cultural diplomacy.

Ndace highlighted the expanding partnership between VON and Chinese media and cultural institutions, noting that the collaboration recently resulted in the introduction of Mandarin-language programming on the national broadcaster. He said the initiative has contributed to improved communication and greater cultural awareness between Nigerians and the Chinese people.

The VON Director-General encouraged young people to embrace cultural diversity and learn from other traditions while maintaining pride in their own cultural identities. He further commended China’s success in preserving its heritage while harnessing technological innovation to engage new audiences.

Visitors to the exhibition explored a variety of traditional artworks and participated in interactive virtual reality sessions that offered a vivid glimpse into centuries of Chinese history and culture.

Nigeria and China have reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and people-to-people relations through expanded artistic and educational exchanges.

This renewed pledge was made on Monday during the 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, under the theme “Hello Nigeria, 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience.”

The programme brought together pupils from schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside representatives of government institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, and stakeholders in the cultural and creative sectors.

Speaking at the event, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the giant panda remains a global emblem of peace, harmony, and friendship, noting that the initiative was designed to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of Nigeria and China through creative engagement.

He explained that the event blended art, education, and cultural interaction, providing a platform for young Nigerians to explore Chinese cultural heritage while expressing their own artistic creativity.

Zhou further noted that the 2026 edition carries added significance, as it coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.

According to him, sustainable bilateral relations are built not only on economic and political cooperation but also on sustained cultural understanding and interpersonal connections.

He added that the Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre, would continue to promote youth-focused cultural initiatives, language programmes, artistic collaborations, and educational exchanges aimed at nurturing future ambassadors of Nigeria–China friendship.

“The youth represent the future of our relationship. Through cultural interaction and mutual learning, we can build lasting friendships that will strengthen cooperation between our two countries for generations to come,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, commended the organisers for leveraging art as a tool for cultural diplomacy and international engagement.

He observed that artistic expression remains one of the most effective channels for bridging cultural and geographical divides, adding that the panda symbol resonates globally as a representation of peace, friendship, and environmental consciousness.

Ibrahim reiterated that cultural initiatives such as the Panda Art Experience complement diplomatic and economic relations by fostering mutual respect and deeper understanding among citizens of both countries.

He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote intercultural dialogue, creative innovation, and global partnerships within the creative economy.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, described the initiative as a strong example of how the arts can be deployed to strengthen international friendship and cooperation.

He noted that the panda has evolved into a global cultural icon symbolising goodwill, environmental awareness, and cultural diversity.

Sodangi commended the Chinese Embassy for consistently using cultural platforms to deepen bilateral relations, stressing that such engagements extend diplomacy beyond formal political and economic interactions.

The event featured a range of interactive activities, including panda-themed painting sessions, a cultural creative market, collaborative graffiti art, craft workshops, and an interactive postcard and stamp collection tour.

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