By By Elizabeth Ugbo
China on Wednesday reaffirmed Nigeria’s importance in its global economic strategy during the opening of the Seminar for Renowned Nigerian Commentators in Beijing. The event, organised by the China International Communications Group and sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce, brought together Nigerian journalists and government officials to strengthen media cooperation, cultural exchange, and development partnerships between both countries.
The Deputy Director of the China International Communications Group, Li Hengtian, said Nigeria remains China’s largest engineering contracting market in Africa. He also described Nigeria as China’s second-largest export market and third-largest trading partner on the continent.
According to him, the seminar aimed to deepen mutual understanding through storytelling, media collaboration, and cultural engagement.
China-Nigeria Relations Gain Momentum
Li explained that China and Nigeria have maintained diplomatic ties since 1971. He described both nations as “civilisational partners” with shared development goals.
He said cooperation between both countries continues to expand under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
“In the grand narrative of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China-Nigeria cooperation has always been a highlight,” he stated.
Furthermore, Li noted that Chinese-backed projects continue to shape Nigeria’s infrastructure sector. He cited projects such as the Lagos Light Rail, Abuja Rail Mass Transit, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Zungeru Hydropower Station as symbols of growing cooperation.
Media Professionals Urged to Strengthen Cooperation
Li stressed the importance of balanced reporting and warned against “single narratives” about countries and cultures.
Quoting Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, he said stereotypes often emerge when societies rely on one-sided stories.
“The single story creates stereotypes. This is precisely the mission of media professionals,” he said.
He added that journalists and commentators serve as bridges of understanding between societies. Therefore, he urged Nigerian and Chinese media professionals to strengthen collaboration.
“We sincerely hope that friends from the Chinese and Nigerian press can strengthen cooperation and together tell the stories of China-Nigeria friendly cooperation,” Li added.
CICG Expands Global Media Outreach
Li also highlighted the role of the China International Communications Group in global communication.
According to him, the organisation publishes over 4,000 books yearly in more than 40 languages. It also produces 36 multilingual magazines across 14 languages.
He further revealed that “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” has been translated into 42 languages and distributed in over 180 countries and regions.
In addition, Li said the organisation’s Institute of International Studies and Advanced Training has hosted several exchange programmes involving African media professionals.
Nigerian Delegates Commend Seminar
A representative of the Nigerian delegation, Olunkwa Felix, described the seminar as an important platform for learning and international cooperation.
He praised the organisers for creating an engaging programme that promotes professional and cultural exchange.
“We believe this seminar is not just another academic gathering, but a platform for learning, cultural exchange, international cooperation, and personal development,” he said.
Felix also said participants would benefit from China’s development experience and innovation model.
Moreover, he assured organisers that delegates would actively participate throughout the seminar.
Educational and Cultural Exchanges Increase
Li revealed that educational and cultural exchanges between both countries continue to grow steadily.
“More Nigerian youth are travelling east to pursue knowledge in Chinese institutions,” he said.
He also noted that more Chinese professionals now work in Nigeria’s development and infrastructure sectors.
As a result, both countries continue to strengthen people-to-people connections alongside economic cooperation.
China-Nigeria Trade Relations Deepen
Trade between China and Nigeria has expanded rapidly over the past two decades. China now plays a major role in Nigeria’s rail, port, road, and energy projects.
Analysts believe Nigeria’s strategic market size and economic influence make it an important partner in China’s African engagement strategy.
For Nigerian participants, the seminar also provided an opportunity to share local perspectives with a global audience.
