China-Nigeria Relations: Navigating the Emerging Multipolar World Order under a Donald Trump Presidency

By Mazi Godson Azu

As Nigeria strengthens its foreign policy, the country has strategically focused on its partnership with China, emphasizing economic cooperation, political support, and South-South solidarity. China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at over $13 billion annually. Nigeria exports crude oil and commodities to China while importing machinery, electronics, and consumer goods. To address trade imbalances, Nigeria has encouraged Chinese investments in local manufacturing and welcomed China's role in financing and constructing critical infrastructure, such as railways and power projects. Both nations align on promoting South-South cooperation, challenging Western-dominated global systems, and advancing a multipolar world order.

The potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency brings challenges to multilateralism, characterized by his “America First” doctrine and transactional diplomacy. For Nigeria, this necessitates a balanced foreign policy that diversifies partnerships with China, Russia, the European Union, and emerging powers like India and Brazil, while sustaining strong ties with the United States. Nigeria should recalibrate its approach to U.S. relations, emphasizing its market potential and strategic importance in Africa. Key areas include economic diplomacy, counterterrorism collaboration, and leveraging the Nigerian diaspora to advocate for stronger bilateral ties.

Deepening relations with China and Russia remains pivotal for Nigeria. Engagement under China’s Belt and Road Initiative and exploring Russian expertise in energy and defense can drive development. Nigeria’s leadership in Africa is essential for navigating multipolarity, with initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) positioning it as a manufacturing hub. Regional integration through ECOWAS further bolsters Nigeria’s influence. Additionally, leveraging strategic assets like energy resources, a youthful population, and a large consumer market ensures sustained engagement with global partners.

Nigeria’s influence on the global stage depends on domestic strength. Prioritizing economic diversification, addressing internal security challenges, and improving governance are critical to attracting investment and enhancing global credibility. Adopting a pragmatic, issue-based foreign policy avoids over-reliance on any single power bloc. As Trump’s presidency reshapes global dynamics, Nigeria’s adaptability and proactive diplomacy can transform challenges into opportunities, solidifying its position in the evolving multipolar order.