The Representation of Nigeria in Chinese State Media: An Analysis of CGTN Africa Coverage

China Global Television Network Africa operates a dedicated Africa-focused broadcast service producing substantial content about Nigeria and other African countries for both global and local audiences. This study examines how Nigeria is represented in CGTN Africa coverage, focusing on what narratives dominate, whose voices are centred, and what aspects of Nigerian society are included or excluded. A content analysis design was adopted, examining 240 CGTN Africa news segments, documentary features, and opinion pieces mentioning Nigeria published between January 2021 and December 2023. Segments were coded for tone, topic category, source diversity, and coverage of Chinese-linked stories. Results indicate that 62 percent of Nigeria-related CGTN content frames the country through development-positive narratives that prominently feature Chinese investment, bilateral agreements, and infrastructure projects. Stories related to insecurity, political instability, and economic hardship are covered but rarely connected to Chinese activities. Nigerian voices featured are predominantly government officials and business figures, with civil society and ordinary citizens underrepresented. The study concludes that CGTN Africa's Nigeria coverage reflects an institutional agenda aligned with promoting China-Nigeria cooperation, and recommends that Nigerian media literacy curricula include critical analysis of Chinese state media representations as a component of Chinese Studies education across all geopolitical zones.

Keywords: CGTN Africa, media representation, Nigeria, Chinese state media, content analysis