Nigeria and China have deepened their cultural ties through food diplomacy as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre, hosted the 2026 Nigeria–China Food Festival in Abuja.
The festival, held over the weekend, a statement from NIHOTOUR yesterday said the event was organised as part of activities marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
With the theme: ‘From Farm to Feast,’ the event brought together more than 200 participants, including hospitality professionals, chefs, tourism stakeholders, government officials, diplomats, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners from both countries.
The festival offered participants an opportunity to experience the culinary traditions of Nigeria and China while exploring the cultures, communities and people behind their diverse food heritage.
A major attraction of the event was the presentation of 14 Chinese dishes representing seven regions of China alongside 12 Nigerian dishes drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The organisers said the selection was designed to showcase the diversity of culinary traditions in both countries, exposing participants to different ingredients, cooking techniques and local specialities.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General, NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, said the institute was committed to developing the human capacity required to strengthen Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Fagade stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young Nigerians, hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs, noting that the country’s tourism potential could only be fully harnessed through skilled manpower and strong partnerships.
The value chain, according to him, extended from farmers and agricultural producers to processors, chefs, hospitality professionals, restaurants and other businesses that ultimately serve consumers.
The Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, explained the importance of food in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening relations between peoples.
According to him, culinary exchanges provided an avenue for people to learn about other cultures in a more direct and engaging manner.
Also present was the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing.
The organisers said the interaction could open new avenues for cooperation in hospitality, tourism, culinary training, cultural exchange and enterprise development.
