China-Nigeria Relations and the Politics of Infrastructure Diplomacy: Evidence from the North West Zone

This study examines the nature and implications of China-Nigeria bilateral relations, with emphasis on the growing role of Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Since the early 2000s, China has emerged as one of Nigeria's most significant bilateral partners, financing road networks, railway lines, and energy facilities across multiple states. Critics argue that such arrangements expose Nigeria to debt dependency and sovereignty risks, while proponents maintain they address critical infrastructure deficits. Grounded in dependency theory and the concept of infrastructure diplomacy, this research assesses the terms, implementation outcomes, and local economic effects of selected Chinese-financed projects in Kano and Sokoto states. The study employs a qualitative case study design, drawing on project documentation, government press releases, and secondary sources from 2019 onwards. Interviews with community stakeholders and local government officials provide primary data to supplement documentary evidence. The analysis focuses on questions of transparency in loan agreements, local content requirements, and the extent of technology transfer achieved. Preliminary expectations suggest that while Chinese investment has filled visible infrastructure gaps, contractual conditions have not consistently favoured Nigerian interests, and local employment outcomes remain limited. This research contributes to the literature on South-South cooperation and the politics of development financing in Africa. Keywords: China-Nigeria relations, infrastructure diplomacy, debt dependency, North West Nigeria, South-South cooperation.