Infrastructure plays a vital role in national growth, prompting increased investment in ports and railways to support trade and exports. However, Nigeria and much of Africa still fall below the global average, with a low infrastructure score of 28, leading to reliance on external funding such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the BRI has promoted global trade and poverty reduction, it faces criticism over debt risks, high costs, and security concerns. Against this background, this study examined China–Nigeria relations and the impact of the BRI, stressing port and railway development using secondary data and key informant interviews. Findings from content analysis showed that the BRI has eased port congestion, created jobs, and increased revenue. Yet, challenges remain, including sovereignty concerns, debt dependence, and uneven infrastructure distribution, calling for greater accountability, stronger cooperation between Chinese and Nigerian firms, and more focus on manufacturing to support sustainable development.
Keywords: BRI, Debt Dependence, Infrastructural Development, Neocolonialism, Sovereignty
