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By Chinenye Anuforo
The Chinese community in Lagos has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and China in education, technology, research and industrial development as both countries seek to deepen their longstanding bilateral relations.
The call was made at a ceremony marking the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival, China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day, as well as the 23rd anniversary of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association (CICEA).
The event also witnessed the inauguration of CICEA’s fifth council and the unveiling of the Nigeria HuaXing Children’s Art Troupe in Lagos.
Organised by HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, CICEA and the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, with support from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, the event brought together Chinese and Nigerian officials, business leaders and members of the community.
Speaking at the occasion, the Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, described the relationship between both countries as an important partnership, urging stakeholders to deepen cooperation.
Yuqing said the two countries were at a defining moment in building an “all-weather China-Nigeria community bound by a shared future for this new era.”
She called for fresh initiatives and stronger collaboration to translate the relationship between both countries into tangible benefits for their people.
The Consul General also commended Chinese communities and businesses operating in Nigeria for their contributions to local communities, particularly through charitable initiatives.
She cited the Consulate General’s “Renewed Hope, Rebirth of the Light” and “Together Fight Against Hunger” programmes as examples of efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yusuf Kelani, said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on what could be achieved when science, technology, human capital, culture and modern development were brought together.
Kelani highlighted China’s contribution to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, housing, railways, industrial facilities, schools and hospitals.
He, however, stressed the need for future infrastructure projects to be resilient, energy-efficient and climate-smart.
According to him, Nigeria must increasingly promote green buildings, sustainable construction materials, renewable energy integration, efficient cooling systems, proper waste management and nature-based solutions.
He said Nigeria’s relationship with China should go beyond importing technology to adapting and developing solutions suited to the country’s needs.
Kelani also called for stronger partnerships between Nigerian and Chinese universities, research institutions, technology companies, entrepreneurs and government agencies.
He noted that Nigeria’s membership of BRICS had further created opportunities for the country to deepen international partnerships.
The Chairman, HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Dr Eric Ni, said the Chinese community was also using the occasion to support education through scholarships.
Ten schools and 10 Nigerian students received scholarship awards for outstanding performance in Literary, Art and Culture, with each of the 10 schools receiving N100,000.
Ni said the initiative was part of the community’s efforts to strengthen the relationship between China and Nigeria.
“As we celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with families and friends, we will also be giving another scholarship to 10 Nigerian students and 10 schools. We will continue to support the good relationship between China and Nigeria,” he said.
A member of the House of Representatives, Enitan Dolapo Badru, said the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relationship between Nigeria and China.
Badru said bilateral ties had expanded across trade, investment, infrastructure, education, technology and cultural exchange.
He noted that China’s experience in industrial development, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and skills acquisition offered opportunities for Nigeria to strengthen its own industrial capacity.
According to him, Nigeria’s large market and entrepreneurial population provide opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships in manufacturing, industrial parts, technology transfer, bio-energy and microprocessing.
He urged both countries to create more opportunities for researchers to collaborate, exchange knowledge, develop skills and explore new markets.
The event also featured cultural performances and activities highlighting the cultural ties between the two countries.
