FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND NATIONAL SECURITY: ANALYSIS OF NIGERIA-CHINA ECONOMIC RELATIONS (2010 -2020)

Abstract

Economic relations have always been defined by strategic alliances based on the premise of comparative advantage within the context of globalization, interdependence and technological connectivity amongst countries of the world. This is the underpinning on which the China-Nigeria economic relations was anchored. However, the benefits accruing to each country have attracted debates and critiques. This paper examined specifically China’s FDI inflow into Nigerian economy, the key sectors of Chinese investments and its impacts on Nigeria’s economic and national security. A descriptive research design relying on secondary data and existing literature was employed. The theories of cooperation and dependency were adopted as analytical frameworks. The paper found that Nigeria and China benefited from the economic relationship but the benefits tilted much more in favor of China. The paper therefore concluded from its findings that the unequal economic engagement between China and Nigeria has exposed the Nigerian economy to be dependent on China and this constitute a threat to Nigeria’s economic and national security. Recommendations were suggested as a way forward.