China’s Infrastructural Diplomacy Influencing Economic Development in Nigeria

The role of infrastructure is for both industrial and technological progression in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. As a result of political strife and disregard, infrastructure for example, highway, railroads, hydroelectric power and structures are dilapidated. The goal for Nigeria to achieve its development objectives, the facilities must recapture full usefulness to satisfy the standard for yielding most extreme efficiency and productivity. Nigeria is characterized by low level of infrastructural development which directly impacts negatively on the economic growth. In response to this deficiency, Nigerian governments have sought to engage various stakeholders in the development of infrastructure. China is not left out and its role in Nigeria has currently sparked attention both locally and internationally. It is against this backdrop that the study critically examined the motives behind China’s infrastructural diplomacy in Nigeria. The study employed the Economic Nationalism theoretical framework and also made use of the secondary source of data in understanding China’s mode of engagement in Nigeria. The study discovered that economic considerations in terms of search for raw materials, natural resources and the need for a viable market influences China’s infrastructural diplomacy in Nigeria. Another motive is the political considerations which are visible in the One Chinese policy and the need to form alliances to have a balance of power at the international arena. As well as the imperative for South-South solidarity.