FOREIGN POLICY, ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND NATIONAL INTEREST: FURTHER ASSESSMENT ON NIGERIA-CHINA ECONOMIC RELATIONS DURING THE MUHAMMADU BUHARI ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of Nigeria-China Economic relations during the administration of President
Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023). Nigeria-China relations dated back to February 1971, when both nations
established formal diplomatic ties through the signing of the joint communique on the formalization of their
diplomatic relations. Since then, the relationship has evolved significantly, transforming from initial limited
interaction to a complex and robust partnership, marked by increasing trade and bilateral engagements.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration came into power in 2015 when the nation was facing
numerous challenges; domestic and foreign. However, Buhari’s administration did not change the nature and
pattern of Nigeria’s strong bilateral relations with China, rather more efforts were intensified towards
securing more investments, trade agreements and financial aid from China to finance infrastructural projects
for economic growth and development. The study adopted qualitative approach deriving its data from both
primary and secondary sources. Findings of this study will contribute significantly to the existing literature on
Nigeria-China relations.