Nwachukwu, John Uzoma || Gbadamosi Stephen Gbenga || Achikam Amarachi Cynthia
Volume: 13 Issue: 01, 2025
Abstract:
The rise of China as a global economic powerhouse has significantly impacted various countries, particularly in Africa, where it has become a key player in shaping the economic landscape. This research examines the relationship between Nigeria and China, focusing on the socio-economic and political dimensions of their interactions, the study offers a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria-China relations, aiming to provide insights for sustainable economic development. The research adopts a qualitative approach, to explore key areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, human capital development, and political leadership. As Nigeria emerges as Africa’s largest economy, the influx of Chinese investment has played a pivotal role in driving its economic growth, particularly through infrastructure development, trade, and foreign direct investment (FDI). However, the relationship between the two nations is not without challenges. While Chinese involvement in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and technology transfer has yielded significant benefits, concerns about its impact on local industries, trade imbalances, and political autonomy have emerged. The findings reveal that while the partnership holds great promise for the future of Nigeria, it is also essential for Nigerian policymakers to address the structural issues that hinder the potential for sustainable growth. The paper concludes by proposing strategic policy recommendations to optimize the benefits of the Nigeria-China relationship and ensure that Nigeria’s long-term development is not compromised by over-reliance on foreign investments.