China’s Infrastructural Diplomacy Influencing Economic Development in Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IX, November 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

China’s Infrastructural Diplomacy Influencing Economic Development in Nigeria

 Umar Inuwa Musa¹, Musa Abubakar^2
1History Department ,Yobe State University, Damaturu
²Department of Political Science ,Yobe State University, Damaturu

Abstract: 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.

Key words: Diplomacy, Infrastructure, Development, Economic Relations, Foreign policy.

I. INTRODUCTION

Infrastructural diplomacy has transformed and gained much attention over the years. The rise of China has great spur for economic growth in Nigeria. The implications for infrastructural diplomacy which delivers a vital scene for evaluation the role of unacknowledged coercive diplomacy within the context of China’s peaceful rise dialogue. In contrast to Western countries like France, Italy and Germany, whereby sometimes they interfere into internal politics of a country; China has openly denied any such policies.
Overview of China and Africa Relationship

Read More