Book

Description

This study examines the Nigeria-China economic partnership, with a specific focus on the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub in Ore, Ondo State, established in 2017 through a public-private partnership between Ondo State and Linyi City, Shandong Province, China. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from a 2025 survey of 150 stakeholders, including local residents, workers, and business owners, with qualitative insights derived from semi-structured interviews with hub employees across sectors like cassava-to-ethanol production and textile manufacturing. The findings highlight the hub’s substantial contributions to economic development, including the creation of over 20,000 direct jobs and significant infrastructure advancements, with 81.8% of respondents affirming enhanced trade logistics and connectivity. Nevertheless, challenges persist, as 63.0% of respondents noted limited investment opportunities for local businesses, underscoring trade imbalances, while Nigeria’s estimated ₦3 trillion debt to China fuels concerns about economic dependency. Framed within Dependency Theory, the analysis reveals the partnership’s dual nature, catalyzing economic growth through foreign direct investment and infrastructure while risking over-reliance on Chinese imports and loans. To address these issues, the study recommends strengthening economic diplomacy to prioritize Nigeria’s interests, diversifying non-oil exports such as cassava to reduce trade deficits, and bolstering local industries through investments in technology and skills training to foster sustainable development and equitable trade relations. Keywords: Nigeria-China Partnership; Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub; Economic Dependency; Trade Imbalances; Infrastructure Development