Nigeria,China deepen ties in film, creative economy

Nigeria and China have bolstered their relationship through a strategic cooperation agreement focused on film, broadcasting, digital media, and the creative economy. This pact was inked amidst the Nigeria-China Film and Interactive Symposium in Abuja, with representatives from both nations present. The collaboration aims to facilitate content co-production, program exchange, professional training, technology transfer, and enhance international distribution for creative works from both countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized that the agreement would deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Nigeria, highlighting that China is a leading producer of films, churning out over 700 annually, while Nigeria's Nollywood stands as the world's second-largest film industry. He further stated that the event signaled an important stride towards advancing the Global Civilisation Initiative and cultivating a shared future community.

Yu underscored that the accord serves as a crucial platform for bolstering friendship and cultural ties between the two nations.

Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, affirmed that this agreement signifies a burgeoning cultural partnership between Nigeria and China. He pointed out that the cooperation would foster knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and greater global recognition for the creative sectors of both countries.

The symposium, coupled with the strategic pact between China Movie Channel and the Nigerian Television Authority, marks a pivotal milestone in fostering collaboration within film, broadcasting, digital media, and the expansive creative economy, Ibrahim noted.

The NTA Director-General, Salihu Dembos, heralded the agreement as the commencement of a fresh chapter in Nigeria-China relations. He stressed that the signing of the document symbolizes more than a mere formalization; it heralds a promising new era in the robust relationship between Nigeria and China. Dembos highlighted the partnership would not only enable joint productions, professional training, and technology exchange but also serve as a conduit for Nigerian filmmakers, broadcasters, and creative talents to reach wider international audiences.

He emphasized that the agreement transcends institutional ties, embodying a bridge between two great civilizations.