The Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has said the $1 billion National Integrated Poultry Project pilot phase is set to commence.
Tegbe said Enugu, Kaduna and Oyo states have been selected for the pilot phase, noting that the project would be expanded to states in other geopolitical zones next year.
He disclosed this on Saturday while speaking at the Chinese New Year Temple Fair and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China. The 2026 Chinese New Year marks the Year of the Horse.
According to him, when completed, “the project will deliver a combined output of six million eggs daily, house over seven million laying birds and more than two million broilers, and cultivate over 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans.”
He added that beyond feedstock for the farms, the initiative would also support existing farmers through subsidised feedstock.
“Beyond feedstock for the farms, this initiative will support existing farmers through subsidized feedstock. This project is not merely about food security, it is about jobs, dignity, and opportunity for Nigerians,” he said.
Tegbe who also highlighted China-Nigeria collaboration on steel production said with the revitalization of the Ajaokuta, the country would be expecting an output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum.
According to him, “The revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Complex marks another inspiring chapter in our partnership. Long a symbol of unrealized potential, Ajaokuta is now poised for renewal through collaboration with China. With an expected output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum, a revitalized Ajaokuta will transform Nigeria’s economic trajectory, powering industries, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as a leading manufacturing and innovation hub in Africa.”
He stressed that the government is determined to ensure the country recorded tangible progress that signals the dawn of a new industrial era.
In the area of Knowledge Exchange and Educational Partnerships, Tegbe said it has “continued to open doors for Nigerian students to learn from Chinese institutions, while welcoming Chinese scholars to Nigeria. These exchanges are building enduring bridges of knowledge and mutual understanding. In the year ahead, we seek to deepen cooperation through increased scholarships, joint research, and shared innovation, culminating in the development of new industrial parks that will serve as hubs for manufacturing, technology, and shared expertise.”
He noted that for the initiatives to be successful, they must deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
He added, “We welcome Chinese businesses to Nigeria and encourage partnerships that prioritize capacity building, skills transfer, and shared growth. In return, Nigerians will continue to offer a welcoming environment rooted in hospitality, trust, and mutual respect.”
On the celebration, he urged the people to embrace the spirit of the horse-strong, dignified and always moving forward.
In his opening remarks, China Chargé d’Affaires, Zhou Hongyou said the fair provides the opportunity for both countries to carry on forward the traditional friendship between both countries for the purpose to advance modernisation.
He further stated, “We will work together with the Nigerian side to organize a wide range of exchange activities, and we look forward to your continued strong support and active participation.”
Explaining the celebration, Zhou said, “The year 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes hard work, perseverance, unity and innovation. The horse also features prominently on the Coat of Arms of Nigeria, symbolizing strength, resilience and forward momentum. These qualities are precisely the defining characteristics of China–Nigeria relations over the past 55 years. Standing at this new historical starting point of the 55th anniversary, we look forward to working with friends from all sectors in Nigeria to build a high-level community with a shared future, further deepen political mutual trust and mutual support, further explore the potential for cooperation in trade and investment, and enhance exchanges and cooperation in the field of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so that the friendship between our two countries will be passed down from generation to generation and the fruits of cooperation will benefit our two peoples even more.”
Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria said the double celebration stands as an important signals of friendship between both countries.
“I think it is a very important signal of friendship and mutual trust between our two countries,” Yang said.
He said both countries have shown trust and have stood by each other in the past 55 years.
He stressed that the mutually beneficial cooperation “has been benefiting our two countries’ development. And of course, not only Chinese people. We have to do our best to benefit our very friends, most friendly friends, Nigerian people.”
He said like Nigeria, the Chinese value family.
According to him, “I think the value is very similar to the Nigerian people.”
The guests were entertained with high-level martial arts performances presented by the Chinese Wushu Association, as well as singing and dancing by Chinese and Nigerian artists. There was also on display authentic Chinese cuisine, tea ceremony, calligraphy and traditional Chinese medicine.
The guests also visited the photo exhibition on Chinese Spring Festival culture and tourism.
