China and Nigeria on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening media cooperation, cultural exchange, and technological collaboration.
The pledge was made at the launch of the 2025 China-Africa Audiovisual Showcase, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
The event, jointly hosted by the Department of International Cooperation of China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, and NTA-Star TV Network Limited, brought together top government officials, media executives, and cultural stakeholders from both nations.
In his remarks, Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, praised the long-standing friendship between China and Nigeria, describing their relationship as a model of China-Africa cooperation.
He said that audiovisual collaboration has become an essential bridge for strengthening people-to-people ties, enhancing mutual understanding, and promoting cultural connectivity.
The ambassador noted that 2026 will mark two major milestones: the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
According to him, cultural collaboration, especially through film, television, and digital media, will play a central role in shaping the next phase of bilateral engagement.
“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to enhance two-way communication and further deepen our media cooperation. We look forward to presenting Nigerian audiences with a truthful and multidimensional image of China, one that is credible, reliable, and amicable.
“Likewise, we warmly welcome more outstanding Nigerian audiovisual products into the Chinese market, so that more Chinese audience can hear African stories and experience the unique charm of Nigeria,” the envoy said.
Shi Zhiyan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at China’s National Radio and Television Administration, outlined China’s strategic vision for expanding radio and television cooperation with Nigeria.
He said the Abuja showcase is a direct implementation of President Xi Jinping’s Radio and Television Innovation Cooperation Plan, launched at the 2024 FOCAC Summit.
Shi highlighted the longstanding success of program exchange between both countries, noting that Chinese titles such as Mountains and Seas and Happy Delivery have received wide acclaim in Nigeria. In return, Nigerian documentaries like Hello China and The Lagos-Ibadan Railway have aired on major Chinese platforms, broadening cultural understanding.
He also proposed four key areas for enhanced cooperation which includes: Policy dialogue and governance on AI, audiovisual regulation, and media innovation; Deeper content exchange, including joint productions and youth involvement in short-form content; Technological collaboration in ultra-high-definition broadcasting, digitalization, and emergency communication systems and expanded personnel training, with China offering more opportunities for Nigerian media professionals at international film and TV festivals.
Earlier in his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the China-Nigeria partnership and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding global media collaboration.
He said Nigeria is actively enhancing its broadcasting capacity and technological readiness to ensure that cultural diplomacy becomes a catalyst for national unity, economic growth, and stronger international influence.
The event featured a documentary screening, China-Nigeria musical and cultural performances and the official launch of the China-Africa Audiovisual Showcase in Nigeria.
