China Grants Nigeria Duty-Free Access as Cultural Festival Strengthens Bilateral Ties.
By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria has joined 52 other African nations in gaining full zero-tariff access to the Chinese market—an initiative Chinese officials hail as a significant step toward deepening trade and economic cooperation with the continent.
The announcement was made during the 2025 China–Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival in Abuja, where China’s Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa’s largest economy.
“President Xi Jinping has pledged that China will implement zero-tariff treatment across 100 percent of tariff lines for 53 African countries, including Nigeria,” Zhou said. “This marks a new chapter in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and will open wider doors for Nigerian goods in the Chinese market.”
Describing the Abuja event as “a vibrant symbol of cultural diplomacy,” Zhou also noted it was his first visit to Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of cultural and tourism exchanges in drawing the two nations closer, despite geographical distance.
“China and Nigeria are both ancient civilizations with rich histories. Together, we can build a high-quality China–Nigeria community with a shared future,” he added.
Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, welcomed the tariff announcement, noting the synergy between cultural diplomacy and economic development.
“Culture and tourism are not only about identity and heritage; they are strong drivers of economic growth,” he said. “With the zero-tariff policy, our creative industries, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors now have greater access to the Chinese market.”
He described festivals like the one in Abuja as essential platforms for creative exchange and mutual understanding, capable of driving both cultural pride and job creation.
Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, representing Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, called the festival “a bridge of friendship,” noting that cultural cooperation continues to play a vital role in deepening bilateral relations.
“This gathering is a testament to the strong and friendly relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China—two giants in their regions and influential partners in global development,” he stated.
Co-hosted by the Chinese Cultural Center in Abuja and Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the festival featured traditional performances, exhibitions, cuisine, and fashion from both nations—highlighting not only shared heritage but also a growing strategic partnership between Asia’s second-largest economy and Africa’s largest.
