By Solomon Iliya Jeffrey
The relationship between Nigeria and China has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, reaching a new milestone with its elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). This status reflects deeper political, economic and developmental cooperation between Africa’s largest economy and the world’s second-largest. For Nigeria, the partnership offers significant opportunities if managed strategically, while for China it consolidates long-term interests in trade, investment, infrastructure and geopolitical engagement across Africa.
The CSP framework enables closer diplomatic coordination, broader policy alignment and long-term, multi-sector development planning. One of the most visible benefits for Nigeria has been infrastructure development. Chinese financing and engineering firms, notably the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), have been central to projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna and Lagos–Ibadan railways, airport terminal expansions and extensive road networks nationwide. These projects have enhanced mobility, reduced travel time and stimulated economic activity. Since its launch, the Abuja–Kaduna railway alone has carried millions of passengers, easing pressure on road transport and supporting local economies.
Technology transfer represents another key advantage. China’s strength in telecommunications and digital infrastructure has supported Nigeria through partnerships with companies such as Huawei and ZTE. Nigeria’s expansion of 4G services and ongoing 5G rollout have benefited significantly from Chinese technology and investment. Under the CSP, these collaborations can be further strengthened to improve cybersecurity, promote local capacity building and encourage indigenous technological innovation.
People-to-people cooperation is an equally important, though often overlooked, pillar of the relationship. Institutions such as the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) have maintained productive engagements with the Chinese government through joint workshops, research initiatives and Win-Win philosophy exchange programmes. These efforts have enhanced mutual understanding in areas such as conflict prevention, peaceful development and international cooperation. The Win-Win approach, a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy, emphasises mutual benefit rather than dominance, an approach Nigeria has leveraged through diplomatic training, peace studies and institutional exchanges.
Economic diversification also presents a major opportunity. While China is one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, the trade balance currently favours China heavily. The CSP upgrade, however, provides room for Nigeria to negotiate improved market access for its agricultural produce, solid minerals and manufactured goods. Nigerian sesame seeds and cashew nuts have already gained wider entry into the Chinese market. With effective coordination, industries such as leather, cocoa and textiles could also benefit from access to China’s vast consumer base.
Chinese investments in free trade zones, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone, further demonstrate the potential for industrialisation-driven cooperation. These zones have generated employment, supported manufacturing and boosted exports, highlighting pathways for Nigeria to move beyond the importation of finished goods toward value-added production.
Despite these gains, challenges persist. Concerns over debt sustainability, engagement terms, local content enforcement and technology dependence remain critical. Addressing these issues does not diminish the partnership’s value but underscores the need for stronger negotiation and regulatory frameworks. Encouraging joint ventures rather than solely Chinese-led projects would enhance skills transfer and long-term economic benefits, while stronger regulatory oversight would ensure adherence to environmental and labour standards.
Looking ahead, several strategies could strengthen the relationship. Nigeria should prioritise sectors where China has clear comparative advantages—such as technology, manufacturing, transportation and renewable energy—while insisting on robust capacity-building agreements. Academic and cultural exchanges should be broadened beyond diplomatic institutions to include universities, think tanks and youth innovation hubs. Nigeria can also deepen cooperation in security and peacebuilding, building on existing collaborations with institutions like IPCR to address internal conflicts and regional insecurity.
Ultimately, Nigeria–China relations need not be defined by dependency. With transparent agreements, strong local participation and clearly articulated national interests, the partnership can support industrial growth, digital transformation and sustainable development. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership offers Nigeria an opportunity to reposition itself globally—not as a passive beneficiary, but as an active partner shaping its own future.
