By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Nigeria and China has reaffirmed their commitment to people centred development, pledging that the next phase of their bilateral partnership will focus on projects that directly improve livelihoods, create jobs and deepen mutual understanding between citizens of both countries.

The recommitment was made at the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair held at the Chinese Cultural Centre on Saturday in Abuja, where officials from both countries also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

Director General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria China Strategic Partnership, NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, said the celebration of the Year of the Horse captured the shared values underpinning the relationship, noting that both nations place people at the centre of development.

He said, “The horse, in Chinese tradition, symbolises strength, endurance and progress. In Nigeria, it represents dignity, courage and the forward march of our people. The partnership must continue to “deliver real benefits to Nigerians and Chinese alike.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One China Principle, describing it as “the bedrock of our enduring friendship” and the foundation of the comprehensive strategic partnership that has evolved over 55 years.

Tegbe said Nigeria’s collaboration with China had moved beyond diplomacy to tangible development outcomes, citing investments in rail infrastructure and projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port as examples of cooperation that touch everyday lives.

Turning to agriculture, he disclosed that the Federal Government’s National Integrated Poultry Project, inspired by China’s food security achievements, would begin with an estimated $1 billion investment in Kaduna, Oyo and Enugu states.

“This project is not merely about food security; it is about jobs, dignity and opportunity for Nigerians. The initiative would produce six million eggs daily, support millions of birds, cultivate over 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans, and provide subsidised feedstock to local farmers.”

He also highlighted the planned revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in partnership with China, describing it as a long awaited opportunity to reposition Nigeria’s economy.

“With an expected output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum, a revitalised Ajaokuta will power industries, create jobs and place Nigeria firmly on the path of industrialisation,” he said.

China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the anniversary underscored decades of people to people engagement that had strengthened bilateral ties.

He said 2026, designated the China Africa Year of People to People Exchanges, provided an opportunity to further strengthen cultural, educational and technological exchanges.

“Over the past 55 years, China–Nigeria relations have always upheld mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation,” Zhou said, adding that the partnership had become “a model of South–South cooperation.”

“The Year of the Horse symbolizes hard work, perseverance, unity and innovation. These values reflected the spirit of China–Nigeria relations and their shared commitment to development that benefits ordinary people,” he added.