Abstract
The main focus of this research work is to examine an appraisal of Nigeria-China political and
Economic relations from 1999-2014. The relation between Nigeria and China brought
democracy to Nigeria such that this relation changed the government of Nigeria. However, The
Nigeria-China relations promoted Nigeria in relating with other states. In this regard, the broad
objective of this study is to investigate both countries were able to achieve their national interest.
The information collated will be presented and analysed and the hypothesis will be equally tested
in which to ascertain if both countries benefited or one country benefited than the other through
their relationship
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1BACKGROUND OF STUDY:
The Peoples? Republic of China is sometimes referred to as a modern day miracle and continues
to draw the attention of the entire world for the remarkable progress it has made in economic
development (Rose, 2014). Given the political complexities and the emergence of china as a
great economic world power, it becomes important for us as students of international relations to
study the strategic relationship between a “democratic” Nigeria and “undemocratic” China.
However, the importance of political economy as a concept to the understanding of behavioral
patterns and relationship strides of nation states especially Nigeria which I will be examining in
this research cannot be undermined, as it will further give clarifications on Nigeria?s foreign
policy towards china (the Asian big gun).
Put differently, Following China?s economic growth in the 1980s, Nigerian leaders began to look
forward to a more serious economic engagement with China (Bukaremba, 2005). The
relationship between Nigeria and China was cooperative and cordial, especially between 1999
and 2009. Prior to this time, Nigeria as a country was basically pro-western. Thus, had little or
nothing diplomatically to do then with china. “Nigeria?s first contact with China took place in
1960 when a Chinese delegation, on the invitation of the Nigerian government, attended
Nigeria?s independence celebrations. The delegation brought a message from Chinese leaders
congratulating Nigeria on the victory won by the Nigerian people in their struggle against
colonialism. In February, 1971, Nigeria finally established diplomatic ties with China more than
a decade after independence. Both countries opened embassies in each other?s capital within the
year. The Chinese government has described this relationship as a “win-win” situation”
(Agubamah, 2014). The period between 1971 and early 1999 witnessed minimal diplomatic
exchanges, low bi-lateral trade relations, a near absence of Chinese Foreign Direct Investments
inflow to Nigeria. Nigeria at the time adopted a broadly pro-western policy with traditional
development and trade partners mostly of European and American origin (Edakoh, n.d.). Since
the dawn of the new millennium and century in 2000 A.D, relations between China and Nigeria,
and indeed Africa has been on an aggressive upward trend characterized by unprecedented
renewed positive and mutually beneficial cooperation arrangements, to the concern of western
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countries across Europe and North America (Edakoh, n.d.).In October 2000, China hosted the
first Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing. In May 1999
when Nigeria returned to constitutional democracy, President Obasanjo?s visited China twice in
2001 and 2005 respectively with his Chinese counterpart reciprocating both visits. China and
Nigeria have also signed a number of agreements on trade, economic and technological
cooperation as well as on investment protection (Nuhu, 2012). In 2004, the volume of trade grew
by 17.6 percent, with Nigeria?s exports to China registering a growth of 330 percent. China?s
main exports to Nigeria are light industrial, mechanical and electrical products. China?s main
imports from Nigeria are petroleum, timber and cotton (Akongbowa, 2008). The conference is
believed to have laid the foundation and set the pace for a new order that has witnessed a
significant shift in Nigeria?s and Africa?s foreign diplomatic and economic relations. Soon after
the Beijing conference, Sino-Nigeria relations assumed a new dimension characterized by rapid
and aggressive economic, cultural, scientific, and educational cooperation, increasing Chinese
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), aids/ grants, technical assistance as well as several sponsored
training programs for Nigerian officials. China has now emerged as Nigeria?s and Africa?s major
development and trade partner, having taking the place of Europe and North America in
Nigeria?s development agenda.
Away from the historical perspective to China Nigeria relations, the research work in taking an
accurate stance used the dynamics of the international community and system to explain a shift
in foreign policy of both countries. The emergence of china as an economic power and a friend
to major African nations notably Nigeria which is a frontline state in the economic array of the
African continent, came detrimental and clashing with the interest of some great world powers
like the United States. No bilateral China-Africa relationship is evolving faster, or impacts more
people, than the one between china and Nigeria (Egbula & Zheng, 2011). China essentially seeks
three things from Africa: unimpeded and virtually exclusive access to natural resources; new
market for its export driven economy; and increased influence among international political
bodies (Peter, 2007)From less than 2 billion in 2000 Us Dollars, trade between china and Nigeria
reached nearly 18 billion Us Dollars just ten years later. Between 2003 and 2009, Nigeria was a
top destination for Chinese Foreign Direct Investment on the continent, second only to South
Africa. Its attractions are clear: vast energy reserves and a large domestic market of 150 million
inhabitants with growing disposable incomes. China having clearly stated their intention as
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basically economically plays minimal role in influencing political status-quo and the
multifaceted cultural milieu of the country. Has opposed to the United States, many African
government do not consider china to be imperialist, secondly, china?s non-interventionist policy
does not demand good governance, democracy, human rights or government transparency
(Margeret, 2006)China is well-known for its practice of offering aid with no political conditions
except one. Adherence to the “One China” policy is Beijing?s central requirement in its
diplomatic relations with African countries, and for Abuja, this position has never been
problematic. Thus it becomes important to explain the reasons for the continuous “chinarization
of Nigerian market”.
Nigeria and China share a lot in common from ethnic diversities to rich endowment of mineral
and human resources. China is the largest single market in the world with a population of 1.3
billion, while Nigeria is the largest single market in Africa with a population of 140 million.
Unlike Nigeria, China has been able to harness its vast demographic, human and material
resources to build a strong and virile domestic economy which has impacted positively on its
citizenry (Agbu, 1994). In addition, Nigeria and China are burdened by destiny in their
respective regions. In terms of population, one of every three Asians is Chinese, so also one in
every four persons in Africa is a Nigerian. With a population of 1.3 billion, China is in fact the
most populous nation in the world. Nigeria on the other hand, with a population of over 140
million people is the largest concentration of black people in the world. In terms of mineral
resources China, like Nigeria, is well endowed (Oche, 2001).
However, given all of the progress made and the cordiality in the relationship, it is still not
devoid of hitches and eye brow raise. In as much the Nigerian economy is marginally or
continually dependent on china for growth and development, the populace is most out-rightly on
the receiving end of this. The continuous complains about the ever increasing supply of
substandard goods and materials are however leading to a change in emotions and trust towards
Nigeria?s china partnership. The popular slogan of “chinko” representing fake goods or materials
that cannot stand the test of time has however led to the shortcomings evident in these
relationships.
Beyond this, Nigeria and china to a large extent have come a long way and both cannot afford to
lose now. Thus, it behooves upon us to study the pattern of relationship that exist between these
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countries as it will be of great benefit to the political thinkers. Foreign policy makers,
economists, to list a few.
Statement of Problem
Overtime, it has become a noteworthy of cognizance, to critically look beyond the peripheral
appearance of relationships that exists between nations state in the international system, in a
quest to vividly understand the reasons for friends and foes in the international system. As a
result of globalization majorly taking sway in the 21st century, interdependencies have further
deepened and nations state also adjusting to the trends and dictates of it. Given this, the
emergence of china was aided and made public by this concept. For Nigeria to adjust to
globalization, china became an apparent helping hand and a necessity.
However, in as much as the relationship seems irresistible, the basic problem of sincerity of
intentions still plays a limiting factor. Thus it becomes important to look at the how apt the
relationship is on a win-win side.
Analysis shows that hegemonic stance of china in international politics has allowed it benefit
more from relating with struggling African countries whom usually because of their internal
politics stay at the bottom of the food chain. Thus, given the internal dynamics of Nigeria politics
that features corruption as its shortcoming and has overtime formed a cliché in the Nigerian
political milieu, the possibilities of achieving a win-win situation has really been hampered.
Flowing from the foregoing it becomes necessary to study the root and patterns of this
relationship which necessitated the reasons for the research.
Objective of Study.
In the light of the above, the broad objective of this work is to appraise the interactions between
Nigeria and china political and economic relations between the periods of 1999 to 2014.
The specific objective of this research work will however include:
1. To examine the impacts of China Nigeria relations on the political and economic
environment of Nigeria
2. To analyze the foreign policies of both countries especially being aware of the divides in
political processes.
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3. To identify the impacts of domestic factors on what have impacted the relationship from
1999 to 2014
Research Question
1. What impact has the relationship between China and Nigeria impacted on the political
and economic environment of Nigeria?
2. How has the relationship affected both nations? foreign policies?
3. Discuss the domestic factors that have impacted in the relationship between China
and Nigeria from 1999-2014.
Research hypotheses
H1: The China Nigerian relation has a positive impact on the political and economic
environment of Nigeria.
H0: The China Nigerian relation has a negative impact on the political and economic
environment of Nigeria.
H1: In a large part, both states benefit immensely in the growth of their foreign policies due
to information shearing
H0: In a large part, both states do not benefit immensely in the growth of their foreign
policies due to information shearing.
H1: The china Nigeria relations have greatly impacted the domestic front of Nigeria.
H0: The China Nigeria relations have not greatly impacted the domestic front of Nigeria.
Significance of Study
Owing to the importance of development and growth to nations, Nigeria-China study becomes
imperative for study consideration. Thus, this study becomes relevant to policy makers; foreign
and internal, governmental agencies, business thinkers, students, political and economic analyst
to list a few. It will further be useful as a source of information for further researchers in the
academic field.
Scope of study
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Given the political history of both countries, relevant or grounded frameworks for relationship
especially for economic reasons were not laid until 1999 when Nigeria began to enjoy a lasting
democratic political process. Thus the study will like to examine this relationship starting from
then till 2014. However, in as much as hypothesis and conclusions are subject to debates, the
study does not seek to grapple issues with the existing thoughts patterns…
CHAPTER ORGANIZATION
This thesis is presented in five chapters. (Chapter 1) provides a general introduction, background
of the study. Chapter2 provides further information on the conceptual and theoretical framework.
This is done to make the reader appreciate the relevance of the current research especially in the
Nigerian context. It further helps to deepen the entire conception of the thesis and provide a
specific context for the study. Also expands on the theoretical background of the study and also
reviews the literature on studies related to ours. The third chapter presents the methodology of
the study. The focus of the fourth chapter is to find the analysis of the study .The final chapter
(chapter 5), provides concluding discussions and recommendations. Further, a summary of the
main thesis of the study is presented, the management implications of the study given and also
the study limitations and recommendations for management and for further academic research
provided in the final chapter.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
? Political: It refers to a connection with power and status within an organization, rather
than with matters of principles.
? Economic: It deals with trade, industry and development of wealth of a country, an area
or a society.
? Bilateral relations: This refers to the involvement or agreement between two groups or
people or two countries.
? Democracy: A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens
who can elect people to represent them
? Foreign policy: This can be defined as a set of explicit objective that a state seeks to
achieve in international system.
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? Diplomacy: can be defined in the following way as Negotiation between nations, as
subtly skillful handling of a situation, and also as Wisdom in the management of public
affairs