As the People’s Republic of China marks the Spring Festival and ushers in a new Lunar Year, the Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has extended warm congratulations to the Government and People of China, noting that this year’s celebration coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
In a statement, Tegbe described the milestone as a testament to a resilient and steadily expanding partnership that has evolved from diplomatic engagement in 1971 into one of Africa’s most consequential economic relationships. Now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Nigeria–China relations span infrastructure development, trade, industrial investment, technology cooperation, and people-to-people exchange. He noted that China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partners and a key contributor to infrastructure modernization, supporting rail, port, power, and industrial projects that have strengthened productive capacity and national connectivity.
Tegbe described the present moment as a “new dawn” in bilateral relations, driven by a shift toward higher-value economic integration and export-led growth. He highlighted the Zero-Tariff initiative announced by the Chinese government for qualifying African exports, including Nigeria, as a transformative opportunity to expand non-oil exports and deepen industrial processing.
“The Zero-Tariff Agreement offers Nigerian producers enhanced access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and creates a strategic pathway for export diversification and job creation,” he said, adding that success will depend on disciplined execution, quality compliance, and strong private sector participation. According to the DG, the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership is working with stakeholders to ensure Nigeria fully leverages this preferential trade window, translating diplomatic goodwill into measurable economic outcomes.
“As we celebrate 55 years of partnership, the Spring Festival’s spirit of renewal reflects the next phase of China–Nigeria relations, one defined by deeper economic integration, industrial upgrading, and shared prosperity,” Tegbe added.
China’s Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The festival welcomes the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal, family unity, prosperity, and good fortune. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
This year’s spring festival, the Year of the Horse, falls on February 17.
