Nigeria and China have intensified efforts to deepen their long-standing relationship by placing young people at the centre of future cooperation, with both countries highlighting youth exchanges, innovation, cultural ties, and skills development as critical pillars of engagement.
The renewed commitment was underscored at the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar in Abuja, where government officials and youth representatives explored opportunities for stronger collaboration between the two nations.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, described young people as key stakeholders in advancing China-Africa relations and strengthening the partnership between Beijing and Abuja.
According to the envoy, the seminar comes at a significant moment, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and 55 years of diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria.
“Our friendship has endured challenges and continued to grow stronger over the decades,” Zhou said, stressing that Africa remains a priority in China’s foreign policy agenda.
He highlighted recent economic initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation with African countries, including China’s decision to grant zero-tariff access to imports from 53 African nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. The measure, he noted, is expected to open wider market opportunities for African products and stimulate economic growth across the continent.
Zhou also called on young Nigerians and Chinese citizens to champion dialogue, inclusiveness, and international cooperation, arguing that global challenges can only be effectively addressed through collective action and mutual understanding.
He encouraged participants to become ambassadors of China-Nigeria cooperation by sharing balanced narratives about the relationship and promoting the benefits of deeper collaboration in areas such as trade, education, and development.
Also speaking at the seminar, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olusanya Kwardem, said the programme was designed to celebrate more than five decades of diplomatic relations while identifying practical ways to expand youth-focused partnerships.
Kwardem noted that both Nigeria and China possess large, dynamic youth populations with growing interests in technology and innovation, creating a strong foundation for future collaboration.
He said the ministry views the initiative as an opportunity to establish structured platforms that connect young Nigerians with their Chinese counterparts, enabling meaningful exchanges and long-term partnerships.
The permanent secretary particularly emphasized the importance of technology transfer, noting that Nigerian youths should move beyond being consumers of imported technologies to becoming creators and innovators through direct access to technical knowledge and training.
He explained that exchange programmes, innovation partnerships, and specialised training opportunities could equip young Nigerians with advanced skills capable of supporting local development and industrial growth.
While discussions on cooperation in education, science, technology, culture, and healthcare are ongoing, Kwardem said the engagement remains largely consultative, with participants’ recommendations expected to shape future programmes and policy directions.
The seminar reflected a growing determination by both countries to use youth engagement as a catalyst for stronger bilateral relations. Stakeholders expressed optimism that increased interaction between young Nigerians and Chinese citizens would help sustain cooperation in key sectors and lay the foundation for a more robust partnership in the years ahead.
Zhou concluded by reminding participants that the future of China-Nigeria relations depends heavily on the next generation.
“Young people are the future of our nations and of China-Nigeria relations. Through mutual respect, collaboration, and learning from one another, our friendship will continue to flourish,” he said.