…as China NTRA launches China-Africa Audiovisual Showcase in Nigeria

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding media and cultural cooperation with China.

Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Director General of NTA, Mr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, during the launch ceremony of the “China-Africa Audiovisual Showcase in Nigeria” on Monday in Abuja,
emphasized the ministry’s willingness to enhancing Nigerian broadcasting capacity and technological competence to ensure that cultural diplomacy becomes a driver of national unity, growth, and global influence.

He further stated that the ministry is dedicated to promoting narratives that reflect Nigeria’s identity and values.

According to him, initiatives like the China-Africa Audiovisual Exhibition not only showcase technological progress but also strengthen international collaboration and mutual understanding between Nigeria and China.

He said, “The Minister of Information and National Orientation is committed to facilitating international partnership, correcting our talents. It is also enhancing Nigerian broadcasting capacity and technological competence to ensure that cultural diplomacy becomes a driver of national unity, growth, and global influence.”

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, thanked the Nigerian government and all partners supporting China-Nigeria cultural relations.

He highlighted the long history of exchange between China and Africa and said audiovisual cooperation continued to bridge cultures and strengthen understanding.

He said, “Over the past 25 years, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a flagship platform steering the course of China-Nigeria relations.”

The ambassador noted that 2026 will be significant as it marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic ties.

He added that last September’s FOCAC Summit further elevated relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

He said the exhibition was “a concrete step toward implementing the outcomes of the Summit and realizing the vision shared by our leaders.”

Director General of International Cooperation, NRTA China, Mr. Shi Zhiyan, said Nigeria’s large digital audience made cooperation promising.

He outlined several areas China hopes to deepen, including policy dialogue, audiovisual content exchange, technology development, and talent training.

He said, “There are more than 100 million Internet users in Nigeria. The market is large and the cooperation is promising.”

He also proposed stronger exchanges under the China-Nigeria Broadcasting Innovation Cooperation Plan and encouraged more joint productions and youth participation in short video and microfilm creation.

He said, “Let us take this exhibition as the starting point, join hands, deepen cooperation, and contribute to the development of high-level China-Nigeria relations.”

Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, described the exhibition as an important platform for building a modern and inclusive media ecosystem.

He added that Nigeria’s creative industry was ready for deeper collaboration and expressed confidence that the partnerships formed at the exhibition would strengthen cultural ties and promote shared progress.

He said, “This exhibition is more than just a display of technology and content. It is a vibrant testimony to the power of partnership.”

The launch was jointly hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of the People’s Republic of China and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; organised by NTA-Star TV Network Limited.