ASSESSING THE ROLE OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY IN TRADE DIVERSIFICATION WITH CHINA AND INDIA, 2000–2014

Resumen

Nigeria’s quest to reposition its economy and reduce reliance on Western markets has prompted a strategic shift in economic diplomacy, particularly towards emerging Asian powers such as China and India. This study critically examines the impact of Nigeria’s economic diplomacy on trade diversification with these two nations between 2000 and 2014. The central problem addressed is Nigeria's persistent overdependence on crude oil exports, which has limited the country’s economic resilience and diversification efforts. The objective is to assess how economic diplomacy influenced bilateral agreements, investment inflows, and the expansion of trade beyond oil. Adopting the liberal institutionalist theoretical framework, the study investigates engagements under how Nigeria’s successive diplomatic administrations contributed to trade and economic cooperation. The research utilizes qualitative document analysis of trade agreements, policy documents, and trade data within the period under review. Findings reveal that while trade volumes with China and India increased significantly, diversification remained limited. Nigeria’s export profile continued to be dominated by crude oil, with minimal growth in non oil sectors due to structural constraints, limited industrial capacity, and weak institutional mechanisms. The study is significant as it provides insights into the role of diplomacy in shaping economic outcomes in developing countries and highlights the limitations of existing trade frameworks. It concludes that economic diplomacy alone cannot drive diversification without parallel investments in industrial development and institutional reforms. Accordingly, the study recommends focused development of non-oil sectors, enhanced infrastructure, and renegotiation of trade agreements to favor long-term diversification goals. methods, including