Trading Relationships

Nigeria’s changing political and trading relationships:
● In the past → Nigeria traded heavily with UK due to colonial links (British Empire ruled over Nigeria until
1960 – Nigeria gained independence)
○ Nigeria exported primary products to UK
○ UK exported manufactured goods to Nigeria
● Now → Nigeria trades globally
○ Main trading partners:
■ USA
■ China
■ Brazil
■ India
■ UK (+ other countries in the EU )
China’s influence on Nigeria’s economy:
● Trading between Nigeria and China is highly important
○ Nigeria imports many manufactured goods from China
○ China benefits from Nigeria’s primary products
■ Allows them to continue manufacturing goods
○ Has lead to political relationships developing between the 2 countries
● There is growing Chinese investment in other African countries due to relationship with Nigeria
● Benefits for Nigeria:
○ Nigeria needs to improve its transport network
■ 2014 → China Railway Construction Corporation won US$12 billion
■ Helped build 1, 400 km new railway along Nigeria’s coast
● Benefits for China:
○ Invested US$10 billion in exploring/drilling for oil in Nigeria
○ Helped supply the high demand for energy in China