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Investment Relations and Economic Development: An Assessment of Nigeria-China Relations

Manko Rose Rindap Ph.D, Bitrus Ishaku Lere Ph.D, Mr. Arin Ajang

Abstract

Nigeria’s economic development had been hampered by infrastructural issues. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China in 1971, China had played critical roles in Nigeria’s economy through trade and investments. However, China’s role in investments development in Nigeria was in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Through these investments, there had been imported Chinese labour, necessary materials and equipment from China. As a result of this, employment and businesses were lost in the process. The main objective of the study was to assess Nigeria’s economic development through Chinese investments. The methodology adopted for the study was the explanatory design. The data collected was analysed through themes and content analysis. The findings showed that Chinese investments in Nigeria ought to be mutually beneficial to both parties especially in the area of technology transfer and equal opportunities for market access but as a result of this, employment and businesses were lost in the process. This implied that, the investment relations favoured China, thus created uneven balance in the distribution of the benefits from the investment relations. The study recommended that Nigeria should promote local content and joint venture partnerships with China for mutual benefits.

Keywords

Investmentsmutual benefitsdevelopmentinfrastructure and economy.

References

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