An Assessment of Nigeria-China Economic Relations from 1999-2014

Abstract

Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations in February 1971, relations between these two countries had blossomed over the years. This was made possible with the high level of visits and the conclusion of a number of bilateral agreements between the two countries. The bilateral relations progressed from political engagements to intense economic penetration of the Nigerian economy. China seemed to be driving the relations because there had been the issue of excessive trade imbalance in favour of China, poor infrastructural development of facilities in Nigeria which have hampered it from competing favourably with China. This paper looked at the historical overview of these relations, assessed the impact of the Chinese penetration of the Nigerian economy and the challenges faced by both countries in the pursuit of these economic relations. Finally, it provided ways of enhancing the relations between the two countries.