Nigeria - Sino Bilateral Trade Relations: Equal Country, Unequal Trade, 1999-2015
Okorie Albert, Ph.D
Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Hillary Obike
Department of Government and Public Administration, Abia State University, Uturu
Allens Umunna Iheonu, Ph.D
Department of Government and Public Administration, Abia State University, Uturu
Keywords: Bilateral Trade Relations, Trade Imbalance, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment Foreign Aid, Dependency Theory.
Abstract
The article examines trade and investment relations between Nigeria and China. It noted that China has become Nigeria's largest trading partner, with Nigeria exporting commodities and importing various goods from China. Chinese investment in Nigeria has focused on infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, and agriculture, contributing to Nigeria's development. Factors influencing this relationship include geopolitics, resource access, infrastructure needs, and the growing Nigerian consumer market. Challenges include trade imbalances, the impact of cheap Chinese goods on local industries, and concerns over labor practices. The study is anchored on dependency theory, while documentary method and content analysis were employed for data collection and analysis respectively. The study recommends that strategic policies are needed to address these challenges and maximize the benefits of the relationship. In addition continued cooperation and dialogue are crucial for a balanced and mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship.