By Asabe Elisha
Nigeria and China took another step to strengthen media and creative industry collaboration with the holding of the China-Nigeria Film and Literature Symposium and the signing ceremony of a CMC-NTA Strategic Cooperation Agreement in Abuja
The event, hosted at the China Cultural Center, brought together officials, filmmakers, writers, and broadcasters from both countries to explore joint productions, content exchange, and talent development under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, speaking at the event focused his remarks on cultural diplomacy, FOCAC, and future media cooperation. On China-Africa/Nigeria cooperation framework. 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.”
He 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.
Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), emphasized on the willingness to enhance a
Nigerian broadcasting capacity and technological competence which is dedicated to promoting narratives that reflect Nigeria’s identity and values.
He said initiatives like the China-Africa Audiovisual Exhibition not only “showcase technological progress but also strengthen international collaboration and mutual understanding between Nigeria and China cultural diplomacy becomes a driver of national unity, growth, and global influence”.
Film experts at the symposium highlighted cinema as “soft power.” Dr. Shaibu Husseini, CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), proposed a formal co-production treaty to allow both countries to “pool resources, share stories, and expand markets”. He pointed to Nollywood’s $6 billion valuation and China’s position as one of the world’s largest film markets as the basis for collaboration.
Representatives from China Movie Channel and Nigeria Television Authority jointly sign the content Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, while details shared at the ceremony pointed to content exchange and technology transfer, the agreement aligns with two broader MoUs already signed between the China Media Group (CMG) and Nigeria’s public broadcaster-NTA and FRCN-1during the last FOCAC Summit in Beijing.
As part of ongoing cooperation, the China-Africa Audiovisual Showcase was also launched in Abuja, featuring over 20 Chinese productions approved for airing on NTA platforms. Chinese programs like “Mountains and Seas” have already aired in Nigeria, while Nigerian documentaries have been broadcast on mainstream Chinese channels.
Chinese officials tied the symposium to 2026 being designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with both countries marking 55 years of diplomatic relations.
“We look forward to deeper exchanges and cooperation between China and Nigeria in the film field, playing a bridging role in enhancing the friendship between the two peoples,” Shi Zhiyan said.
The symposium also featured screenings of Nigerian films including ‘Tradition’ and the award-winning documentary ‘Uru Igba Boi’ on the Igbo apprenticeship system, and technical masterclasses led by Chinese filmmakers.
Officials said the agreement and symposium outcomes will feed into:
-Joint film and TV productions exploring shared values and traditions
-Professional exchanges for filmmakers, writers, and students
-Technology transfer and studio partnerships sure to support Nigeria’s creative economy
With both governments describing the partnership as a “comprehensive strategic partnership”, the CMC-NTA deal is expected to expand programming on NTA while giving Nigerian stories wider access to Chinese audiences.