Analyzing The Nigerian Perception Of Nigeria-China Relations

China’s increasing influence in Africa has generated controversies as to what her real motive is. In Nigeria for example, the discussion is just beginning to mature with intense resonance in the country, between those who see such interventional phenomena as largely imperialistic and others who conceive it as a new dawn for the country. Arising from the importance of these two contrasting positions and perceptions of China’s increasing interest in Nigeria, and the implications of this on Nigerian foreign policy options in the competitive and globalizing world of the twenty-first century, it is necessary to look at the prevailing issues in the debate, weigh them on the scale of national interest, and see to what extent they might influence development in Nigeria.Those who argue that China’s increasing presence in Nigeria is essentially imperialist points to the political economy of this relationship; explaining why the emerging relations would not benefit Nigeria. For these "Sino-phobic" scholars, the pattern and nature of Chinese activities on the African continent is reflective of aspects of the erstwhile British imperialism in Nigeria. Their argument were supported with the following viewpoints:(i) the Chinese quest for Nigeria’s vast natural resources, particularly oil to sustain its growing population and industries;(ii) the Chinese attraction to the untapped Nigerian market to sell Chinese goods; and (iii) the potential Nigeria offers by way of profitable re/investment of Chinese surplus capital. In order to ensure an enabling environment for all these, China has entered into bilateral and multilateral economic and socio-cultural agreements with Nigeria. For example the introduction of Chinese language and culture and the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Nigeria’s three major strategic cities, namely: Abuja, Lagos and Awka.The "pro-China" perspective enthusiastically welcomes increased Chinese involvement in Nigeria and views the development with great optimism. Drawing on historical inferences regarding Sino-African interactions and the imperatives of South-South cooperation, scholars in this spectrum of.thought have not only encouraged Nigeria-China relations, but argue that it benefits Nigeria immensely which in the face of globalization is in dire need of a responsible and accommodating trading partner to kick-start its economy and consolidate her development process. These scholars argue that as a result of the common historical antecedence of both as victims of European imperialism, the deepening of Nigeria-China relations would greatly improve the economy of the former and augment its bargaining power in a globalizing world.Their argument is anchored by a number of viewpoints, some of which include these:(i) as China expands and consolidates its modernization process, its interest in and demands for raw materials can be expected to stimulate an agricultural revolution in related sectors in Nigeria;(ii) China’s preference of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries is a distinctively attractive option for Nigeria, while China’s foreign policy conception (as demonstrated by her African policies) makes negotiation with Nigeria easier;(iii) the scholars also pointed out that growing Chinese involvement with Nigeria has resulted in the increased Chinese investments, development assistance and economic empowerment in the country. The strengthened Nigeria-China partnership has witnessed significant Chinese investments across the country with corresponding development projects in construction, transportation, hydropower development, oil-drilling, industrial complexes, etc.Arguments from both the "Sino-phobic" and "pro-China" scholars have received criticisms and support from observers and stakeholders. This study is a constructive evaluation of Nigerian perceptions of China, with the view of encouraging more scholarly topics for a better understanding of the relationship between these two great countries.