Nigeria and China have reiterated their support to advance cultural diplomacy, tourism and people-to-people ties in the context of the 2026 Nigeria-China Food Festival.

The festival, with the theme of “Bridging Culture Through Cuisine,” gathered government officials, diplomats, chefs, hospitality practitioners and cultural practitioners from both countries to celebrate 55 years of formal diplomatic relations.

Food is an instrument that can help sustain heritage and build livelihoods, says the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, who gave the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa.

“Food is not just a source of nourishment; it tells stories, it saves lives, it creates livelihoods, and it brings people together,” she said.

She added that Nigeria and China built ties on 10th February 1971, and since then both countries have expanded their ties in trade, infrastructure, education, technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

According to the minister, gastronomy is an important aspect of Nigeria’s tourism identity and brand in the world, as Nigeria’s mapping of the tourism and creative industry identified the food and beverages industry as the biggest sub-sector of the country’s tourism economy.