China-Nigeria Economic Relations and Implications for African Diplomacy

Globalisation has drawn the economies of the world into diverse relationships for mutual gains. Since the establishment of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations in 1971, both nations have explored possible means to benefit from each other.This paper examines China-Nigeria relations and their implications on Nigeria’s economic survival, and how Nigeria and indeed Africa can better leverage this relationship. As China's influence in Africa increased, the nature and extent of its engagement in Nigeria's economy also deepened. This has sparked concerns about the potential consequences for Nigeria's economic future. The paper by assessing key areas of engagement aims to identify the potential economic risks the relations hold for Nigeria. The study adopted ex-post and longitudinal research designs and obtained data from secondary sources. Building upon the dependency and complex interdependence theories, the study found that although bilateral relations with China enhance Nigeria’s economic growth, multiple risks exist in the collaboration, such as debt issues, lack of technology transfer and over-dependence on Chinese imports that weakens and endangers Nigeria’s economic survival. The study recommended that Nigeria and African states should rejig their economic diplomacy by prioritizing the development of local industries to increase their competitiveness against Chinese imports.