In Lagos this September, Nigerian and Chinese officials, filmmakers, and culture lovers gathered for a symposium entitled Promoting Cultural and Economic Diplomacy Through Film. The event, jointly organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Chinese Consulate General, and creative-industry partners, spotlighted how cinema is playing a bigger role than ever in strengthening Nigeria China film diplomacy. 

Representing NIIA, Research Professor Femi Otubanjo emphasised that Nigeria is now leveraging Nollywood and its growing entertainment sector not just for local consumption but as a tool for projecting soft power globally. He noted historical parallels when culture and film were used in foreign policy during earlier decades, saying Nigeria is now shaping its own narrative on the world stage. 

Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, described film as a universal language, highlighting China’s film heritage alongside Nollywood’s expanding reach. She referenced previous Chinese film festivals held in Lagos and urged that cooperation in production, training, and infrastructure could benefit both sides. 

At the symposium, speakers like Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), proposed practical collaborations: co-production treaties, shared technical exchange in sound stages and special effects, animator and filmmaker training, and better access to funding for joint film projects. 

Also featured were screenings of Nigerian films, including Tradition by Ramona Yahya and a documentary Úru ígbă bòi, both offering windows into Nigeria’s rich culture. These screenings reinforced how mutual cultural respect and understanding can grow when stories are shared across borders. 

Policy makers present urged frameworks to support local artists and engineers in the film sector, better infrastructure for cinemas, and stronger legal protection like enforcing intellectual property rights. These suggestions align with Nigeria’s creative-economy goals and ambitions to strengthen its film diplomacy with China.