Nigeria-China Trade Relations and Development of Local Industries, 2018-2023.

This study examines the implications of Nigeria-China trade relations on the development of localindustries in Nigeria between 2018 and 2023. Drawing on Dependency Theory, the researchexplores how China's role as a dominant trading partner impacts Nigeria’s economic structure,particularly in the areas of credit access for local businesses and the growth of domesticmanufacturing. The study adopts a time-series research design, utilizing documentary methodsand content analysis to evaluate trends, patterns, and relationships over the specified period. Keyfindings indicate that the availability of credit facilities and loans from China often hindersNigerian businesses' access to local financing by crowding out credit opportunities from domesticfinancial institutions. Additionally, the high volume of imports from China, particularly in themanufacturing sector, has undermined the competitiveness and output of local industries. Theempirical analysis of the study reveals that Nigeria's heavy reliance on Chinese imports and loansperpetuates economic dependency, stifles local innovation, and slows industrial growth. The studyhighlights the potential for Nigeria to leverage its trade relations with China to foster technologicaltransfer, improve infrastructure, and support industrial policies aimed at reducing dependency.Recommendations are made to diversify credit sources, promote local manufacturing throughprotectionist policies, enhance technology transfer, and encourage export-oriented industrialgrowth. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on trade dependency and sustainabledevelopment in the Global South, providing insights for policymakers, scholars, and stakeholdersin Nigeria’s economic development.