EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF DIPLOMACY AS A TOOL OF FOREIGN POLICY ON NIGERIA -CHINA RELATIONS: A STUDY OF THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION (2015-2023)

Abstract

Diplomacy with China opened doors for roads, rails, and power works, it also raised fear of debt-trap. China gave vast loans, but with high stake in key works and raw goods. Nigeria’s debt to China grew year by year, sparking worry that such funds were less a gift of growth and more a yoke of rule. The objectives is to assess the nature, outcomes, and challenges of diplomacy within this bilateral framework. Drawing from relevant theories, the study adopted realism and liberalism theories as the guiding theoretical frameworks. A qualitative data collection method was employed in this study through interviews conducted with twelve key informants. Respondents rated Nigeria’s diplomatic approach as moderately effective but highlighted debt dependency, transparency deficits, and poor negotiation capacity as key challenges. Qualitative insights revealed further that Buhari’s diplomacy was pragmatic and development-oriented but constrained by weak institutional coordination and policy inconsistency. The study concluded that diplomacy served as an effective catalyst for infrastructure and trade growth but was uneven in impact. The study therefore recommended stronger institutional coordination, transparency in bilateral agreements, and diversification of foreign partnerships to ensure sustainable and equitable development outcomes.