Nigeria, China Promote Food Festival

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) in Nigeria, in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, successfully hosted the 2026 Nigeria–China Food Festival in Abuja. The event aimed to celebrate the rich food and cultural heritage of both nations, marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.

The festival, held at the China Cultural Centre, Abuja, employed the theme 'From Farm to Feast', highlighting the journey of food from its production to the dining table. NIHOTOUR saw this as an opportunity to promote Nigerian food culture and the roles of those involved in the tourism and hospitality industry. The festival showcased 14 Chinese dishes representing seven Chinese regions and 12 Nigerian dishes representing the country’s six geopolitical zones, emphasizing the diversity of food traditions in both countries.

Participants, including hospitality professionals, chefs, tourism stakeholders, government officials, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and cultural practitioners, enjoyed the food presentations and cultural activities. The festival encouraged interaction among participants, fostering deeper people-to-people relations between Nigeria and China.

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, highlighted the role of food in understanding cultures and strengthening relations. NIHOTOUR remains committed to promoting Nigeria's hospitality and tourism industry, strengthening professional skills, supporting enterprise development, and creating opportunities for Nigerians in the tourism sector.