NIHOTOUR Promotes Cultural Exchange Through Nigeria-China Food Festival
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, has strengthened cultural diplomacy and culinary exchange between Nigeria and China through the 2026 Nigeria-China Food Festival held in Abuja.
The festival, organised in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, brought together hospitality professionals, chefs, tourism stakeholders, government officials, diplomats, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners from both countries.
Held on August 27 at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, the event was themed “From Farm to Feast.”
The programme also formed part of activities marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
Beyond the display of food, the festival created an opportunity for participants to explore the traditions, cultures and communities behind some of the most popular dishes from both countries.
Food Takes Centre Stage in Cultural Diplomacy
Food became the meeting point for Nigeria and China as guests experienced a diverse selection of traditional dishes from both countries.
Participants were presented with 14 Chinese dishes representing seven regions of China.
The festival also showcased 12 Nigerian dishes drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The selection highlighted the diversity of ingredients, cooking techniques and food traditions that exist across both nations.
For many participants, the event offered more than a dining experience.
It provided an opportunity to understand how food reflects history, identity and the cultural values of communities.
The festival also encouraged direct interaction between Nigerian and Chinese participants, helping to strengthen people-to-people relationships.
‘From Farm to Feast’ Highlights the Food Value Chain
The theme of the 2026 Nigeria-China Food Festival placed attention on the journey food takes before reaching the consumer.
The process begins with farmers and primary producers.
It then extends through processors, suppliers, chefs, hospitality professionals and businesses operating across the food and tourism value chain.
The theme highlighted the important role played by thousands of people whose work contributes to the food Nigerians and visitors experience every day.
It also created an opportunity to discuss the wider economic value of food.
Agriculture, food processing, hospitality, tourism and entrepreneurship are closely connected.
Strengthening these sectors can therefore create opportunities for employment, enterprise development and skills acquisition.
NIHOTOUR Highlights Nigeria’s Culinary Tourism Potential
For NIHOTOUR, the festival provided another platform to promote Nigerian food as an important part of the country’s tourism offering.
Nigeria has a rich and diverse culinary heritage.
Communities across the country’s six geopolitical zones have developed distinctive dishes, ingredients and methods of preparation over generations.
These food traditions can become an important part of the experience offered to domestic and international tourists.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, Aare Abisoye Fagade, emphasised the Institute’s commitment to developing the skills needed to strengthen Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
He also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people, professionals and entrepreneurs across the sector.
The focus reflects NIHOTOUR’s broader responsibility to support human capacity development within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Building Skills for a Growing Hospitality Industry
The growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector will depend significantly on the availability of skilled professionals.
Chefs, hospitality managers, food service providers and tourism entrepreneurs all have important roles to play in delivering quality experiences to visitors.
Events such as the Nigeria-China Food Festival can therefore serve as practical platforms for learning and professional interaction.
They also create opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore new areas of collaboration.
For young Nigerians interested in the culinary and hospitality industries, international cultural exchanges can provide exposure to different food traditions and professional practices.
China Reaffirms Importance of People-to-People Relations
The Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, highlighted the role food can play in helping people understand different cultures.
He also emphasised the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening relations between Nigeria and China.
Food has increasingly become an important tool of cultural diplomacy around the world.
Through shared meals, food festivals and culinary exchanges, countries can introduce their traditions to new audiences.
The event also featured the participation of the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing.
His presence further reflected the importance both countries attach to cultural cooperation.
Over 200 Participants Attend Festival
More than 200 participants attended the Nigeria-China Food Festival.
The programme featured food presentations and cultural activities from both countries.
Participants also had the opportunity to interact and explore possible areas of cooperation.
These include hospitality development, tourism promotion, culinary training, cultural exchange and enterprise development.
The gathering demonstrated the potential of food to bring together people from different professional and cultural backgrounds.
Celebrating 55 Years of Nigeria-China Relations
The festival was particularly significant as Nigeria and China mark 55 years of diplomatic relations.
Over the decades, cooperation between both countries has expanded across several areas.
However, cultural engagement remains important because it strengthens relationships beyond government and business institutions.
The Nigeria-China Food Festival provided an opportunity to deepen that relationship at the community and people-to-people level.
Cultural diplomacy can help create stronger connections by encouraging people to experience the traditions and values of other societies.
NIHOTOUR Eyes Greater Tourism Opportunities
NIHOTOUR said initiatives such as the Nigeria-China Food Festival align with its commitment to promoting Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The Institute is also focused on strengthening professional skills, supporting enterprise development and creating opportunities across the tourism value chain.
Nigeria’s food culture presents significant opportunities for tourism development.
With the right investment, training and promotion, local cuisines can become stronger attractions for visitors.
Food festivals can also support restaurants, farmers, chefs, food producers and other small businesses.
The 2026 Nigeria-China Food Festival has therefore demonstrated how culinary exchange can support diplomacy, tourism and economic development at the same time.
As NIHOTOUR continues to build partnerships within and outside Nigeria, the Institute is expected to sustain efforts aimed at promoting the country’s food and hospitality culture.
Through such initiatives, Nigeria’s diverse culinary heritage could gain greater recognition while creating new opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs across the tourism sector.
