Nigeria-China Relations and Economic Development

Abstract

This work explored the dynamics of Nigeria-China relations from the political and economic
points of view between 1999-2023. The primary concern of this paper is to discern the extent
Nigeria-China relations is mutually beneficial and how Nigeria can stand to gain more if the
relationship is properly aligned to Nigeria’s national interest. The central argument of this work
is that Nigeria stands to gain more from China than from the West bearing in mind the fact that
over one hundred years of Africa’s relationship with the West has been largely exploitative and
disadvantageous. In this regard, the research employed both primary and secondary sources of
data collection. The primary sources relied on first-hand information gathered from the Chinese
Embassy as well as key actors within the Nigeria External Affairs Ministry and Key Informant
Interviews on experts in Nigeria-China relations. The secondary sources relied on already
existing information from libraries, text books, journals and the internet. The theoretical
framework employed is the Complex Interdependence Theory. The conclusion drawn from this
work is that Nigeria-China relations have not fully developed to the extent of being more
beneficial to Nigeria economically and politically. What currently subsists is that China is
gaining economically more in terms of trade to Nigeria’s disadvantage. However, politically and
socio-culturally, the two countries are mutually benefiting due to various diplomatic protocols
and cultural exchanges. The study recommended among others that Nigeria must strive to
develop her techno-industrial export-oriented base to ensure more symmetric beneficial
relationship with China.