China Looks to Strengthen Media Links with Nigeria at Beijing Seminar

The Chinese government has urged a closer partnership between Chinese and Nigerian media professionals, aiming to deepen bilateral ties and enhance mutual understanding between the two nations.

During the opening ceremony of a seminar for prominent Nigerian editors and commentators in Beijing, Li Hengtian, Deputy Director of the Institute of International Studies and Advanced Training at the China International Communications Group, emphasized the vital role journalists and commentators play in breaking down stereotypes and building bridges of understanding.

Li highlighted that China and Nigeria have cultivated a strong relationship over the past fifty years, rooted in economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and infrastructure development.

He noted that Nigeria remains China’s largest engineering contracting market, its second‑largest export market, and its third‑largest trading partner in Africa.

Li cited major joint infrastructure projects—such as the Lagos Light Rail, Abuja Rail Mass Transit, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Zungeru Hydropower Station—to illustrate the growing partnership between the two countries.

He added that China‑Nigeria relations have become a key feature of both the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China‑Africa Cooperation.

“Today, more Nigerian youths are traveling eastward to study in Chinese institutions, while more Chinese builders and entrepreneurs are heading westward to Nigeria to contribute to development and prosperity,” he said.

Li described the goal of building a “China‑Nigeria community with a shared future.”

Quoting celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Li warned against the dangers of “single stories” and stereotypes in international reporting.

“Media professionals have the responsibility to break down one‑dimensional narratives and present the complexity and richness of the world,” he said.

Li stressed that, despite growing cooperation, a deeper people‑to‑people understanding is still needed.

He said journalists and commentators act as “bridge‑builders of understanding,” capable of dispelling prejudice and misconceptions between nations.

He urged media practitioners from both countries to strengthen collaboration and tell “stories of friendship, cooperation and shared development” that can promote peaceful relations between China and Nigeria.

“I hope this seminar will open a wider window for our Nigerian media friends to understand China more deeply and serve as a bridge of mutual understanding, mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual support between China and Nigeria,” he stated.

Li also highlighted the activities of the China International Communications Group, describing it as one of China’s leading international communication agencies founded in 1949 to showcase China’s history, culture and development achievements worldwide.

According to him, the organization publishes more than 4,000 books annually in over 40 languages and produces 36 multilingual journals.

He further noted that CICG has recently organized several exchange programmes and seminars involving African media professionals, helping to deepen media and cultural ties between China and African countries.

The ongoing seminar in Beijing, according to the organizers, is part of China’s broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic, cultural and media engagement with Africa.