The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in partnership with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, used the 2026 Nigeria-China Food Festival to advance culinary diplomacy, cultural exchange and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Held on 27 August at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, the event carried the theme “From Farm to Feast” and formed part of activities marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
More than 200 participants attended, including hospitality professionals, chefs, tourism stakeholders, government officials, diplomats, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners from both nations.
A key highlight was the presentation of 14 Chinese dishes representing seven regions of China alongside 12 Nigerian dishes drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones. Guests experienced the distinctive ingredients, cooking techniques and culinary traditions of both countries while learning about the communities behind the food.
For NIHOTOUR, the festival also served as a platform to promote Nigerian cuisine as a core part of the country’s tourism offering and to highlight the wide network of people and businesses that make up the food and hospitality value chain, from farmers and processors to chefs and hospitality operators.
Aare Abisoye Fagade, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to building the skills and human capacity needed to strengthen Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector. He said such initiatives create opportunities for young people, professionals and entrepreneurs while showcasing Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage to local and international audiences.
The theme “From Farm to Feast” underscored the full value chain behind every meal. NIHOTOUR also stressed the tourism potential in Nigeria’s diverse regional cuisines, noting that each geopolitical zone offers distinctive dishes and preparation methods that can be developed into authentic cultural experiences.
Mr Zhou Hongyou, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, highlighted the role of food in fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties. Also present was Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
Beyond the food displays, the festival featured cultural activities and networking opportunities that opened doors for potential collaboration in hospitality, tourism, culinary training, cultural exchange and enterprise development.
NIHOTOUR said it would continue to pursue partnerships that advance Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry, build professional capacity, support enterprises and create opportunities across the tourism value chain. Through events such as the Nigeria-China Food Festival, the Institute is positioning food and hospitality as tools for both economic growth and cultural diplomacy.
