Cultural Differences, Economic Partnership and Its Implication for Diplomatic Effectiveness: A Study of Nigeria and China (2011-2024)
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study explores how cultural differences between Nigeria and China have influenced diplomatic effectiveness from 2011-2024. Both countries have different cultural values that is shaped by religion or social structures and this affects diplomacy, communication and negotiation. This study also focuses on the key cultural dimensions and how they shape diplomatic relations and trade. This study also highlights the challenges such as: misunderstandings or misinterpretation due to the difference in culture or negotiation styles and this brings about trade imbalance. This study examines strategies like cultural exchange programs and training skills that helped bridge cultural gaps. this study adopts the Complex interdependence theory that was propounded by Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye in 1977. Also, data was collected using qualitative method 7 interviewees were Interviewed while data was also collected from secondary sources. The result of this study reviews that cultural difference has a great impact on economic partnership and it has an implication for diplomatic effectiveness and this difference hinders cooperation due to the difference in communication style. This study concludes by emphasizing that policy makers, diplomats and business leaders should develop a more effective strategies to strengthen bilateral ties and promote a sustainable development between Nigeria and China. This study recommends trade imbalance should be addressed and both countries should invest in cultural exchange programs and creating a clear and transparent agreement that protects the interest of both countries.
Article Details
How to Cite
Olayinka Babatunde Adebogun, Daniel Rejoicing, Sunday Ogbonna, & Timothy Ekeledirichukwu Onyejelem. (2025). Cultural Differences, Economic Partnership and Its Implication for Diplomatic Effectiveness: A Study of Nigeria and China (2011-2024). Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 6(3), 163-177. https://doi.org/10.33258/lakhomi.v6i3.1342
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Wang, Y., & Jiang, H. (2023). Understanding Chinese diplomatic behavior: Implications for Africa–China relations. China and Global South Journal, 5(1), 59–80.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Original Paper Modernization, Marxist, Dependency and Alternative Theories of Development Communication: A Critical Review.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.
Yusuf, K. A., & Collins, B. T. (2019). Trade imbalance and technology transfer in Sino-Nigerian relations: A strategic policy assessment. Journal of African Development and International Cooperation, 14(3), 98–117.
Zhang, L., & Okonkwo, M. (2023). Cultural bridges: Confucius Institutes and Nigeria–China cooperation. Journal of Global Cultural Exchange, 11(1), 45–63.
Akyuz, A., & Inim, A. (2020). Nigeria-China bilateral relations: Trade, investment and political dynamics.
Alden, C., & Large, D. (2011). China returns to Africa: A rising power and a continent embrace. Hurst & Co.
Aliyu, M. A., Msughter, A. E., & Nneka, A. Q. (2023). Comparative Study of National Development Plans in Nigeria and India: Media Dimension. SIASAT, 8(4), 202-212.
Aondover, E. M., & Akin-Odukoya, O. (2024). Trends and Dynamics of Popular Culture and Media Messages on Public Transport Literature in Nigeria. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(3), 183-195.
Aondover, E. M., Tosin, Y. A. N., Akin-Odukoya, O. O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Ridwan, M. (2025). Exploring the Application of Social Media in Governance in Nigeria. SIASAT, 10(1), 30-43.
Aondover, E. M., Yar’Adua, S. M., & Aondover, P. O. (2025). Influence of Digital Images on the Propagation of Fake News on Twitter in Russia and Ukraine Crisis. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 8(1), 59-74.
Aondover, P. O., Aondover, E. M., & Babele, A. M. (2022). Two nations, same technology, different outcomes: Analysis of technology application in Africa and America. Journal of Educational Research and Review, 1(1), 001-008.
Bennett, M. J. (1986). Developmental model of intercultural sensitivity (DMIS). IDR Institute.
Bennett, M. J. (2017). Developmental model of intercultural sensitivity. In Y. Y. Kim (Ed.), International encyclopaedia of intercultural communication.
Bolewski, W. (2008). Diplomatic processes and cultural variations: The relevance of culture in diplomacy. The Whitehead Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations.
Chiedozie, P. Nwosu, et al. (2024). Nigeria-China relations and economic development.
Cicellin, R., Damodharan, V., & Ravichandran, K. (2019). A cross-cultural analysis of negotiation styles in international business. International Research Journal of Business Management, 10(2), 26–34.
Earley, P. C., & Ang, S. (2003). Cultural intelligence: Individual interactions across cultures. Stanford University Press.
Fatokun, K. (2024). Negotiating across borders: A cultural analysis of Nigeria–China trade interactions. Journal of African International Affairs, 29(2), 112–131.
Fitch Solutions Report. (2025). Chinese company dominates Nigeria’s N10.5tn railway projects. Punch News.
Fukuyama, F. (1995). Trust: The social virtues and the creation of prosperity. Free Press.
Gartzke, E. (2010). Interdependence really is complex. University of California San Diego Working Paper.
Gudykunst, W. B. (2005). Theorizing about intercultural communication. Sage Publications.
Hall, E. T. (1959). The silent language. Doubleday.
Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond culture. Anchor Books.
Henrich, J., Heine, S. J., & Norenzayan, A. (2010). The weirdest people in the world? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33(2–3), 61–83.
Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's consequences: International differences in work-related values. Sage Publications.
Hofstede, G. (1984). Culture's consequences: International differences in work-related values (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Huntington, S. P. (1993). The clash of civilizations? Foreign Affairs, 72(3), 22–49.
Kim, Y. Y., & Ruben, B. D. (1988). Intercultural transformation. In Y. Y. Kim & W. B. Gudykunst (Eds.), Theories in intercultural communication. Sage Publications.
Kwanashie, M. (2015). China-Nigeria bilateral relations: Political and economic dynamics.
Maikaba, B., & Msughter, A. E. (2019). Digital Media and Cultural Globalisation: The Fate of African Value System. Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(1), 214-220.
Mojaye, E. M., & Aondover, E. M. (2022). Theoretical perspectives in world information systems: A propositional appraisal of new media-communication imperatives. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14(1), 100-106.
Neuliep, J. W. (2010). Intercultural communication: A contextual approach. Sage Publications.
Nwachukwu, L. C. (2009). The political economy of Nigeria-China bilateral relation.
Obikaeze, O., et al. (2023). Nigeria-China bilateral relations: Trade, investment and political dynamics. ABUAD Journals.
Oghuvbu, S. (2022). The politics of trade negotiation between Nigeria and China: Cultural dissonance and policy outcomes. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 40(4), 451–469.
Ogunbadejo, J., & Oye, A. (1976). Nigeria–China relations.
Ogunsanwo, A. (2008). China’s policy in Africa 1958–71: Exploring the limits of China’s global strategy. Cambridge University Press.
Ojo, A. (2022). Media training and Sino-Nigerian understanding. African Journalism Review.
Okereke, C. (2021). Perceptions of Chinese investment in Nigeria: A cultural and ethical analysis. African Studies Review, 64(3), 345–366
Okonkwo, R. (2020). Language and cultural barriers in Nigeria–China trade relations. Journal of African Intercultural Studies, 5(2), 44–56.
Onyejelem, T. E., Aondover, E. M., Adewale, O. C., Akin-Odukoya, O. O., & Chime-Nganya, C. R. (2025). Global Terrorism and Media Reportage of Boko Haram Cases in the 21st Century. SIASAT, 10(1), 71-83.
Osondu-Oti, A. (2016). China–Nigeria relations: Context, policy, and issues. African East-Asian Affairs, (1), 45–65.
Pate, U. A. (2010). Religious diversity and national integration in Nigeria.
Pearson Higher Ed. (2025). Exploring interdependence.
Rana, K. (2007). Economic diplomacy: The experience of India. Academic Foundation.
Rana, W. (2015). Theory of complex interdependence: A comparative analysis of realist and neoliberal thoughts. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 6(2), 290–292.
Saaida, M. B. E. (2023). The role of culture and identity in international relations. Al-Istiqlal University.
Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim. (2024). Think tank sees fruitful prospect of China-Nigeria ties. Xinhua News, November 8.
Sokal, R. R. (1974). Classification: Purpose, principles, progress, prospects. Science, 185, 1115–1123.
Thomas, D. C., & Inkson, K. (2004). Cultural intelligence: People skills for global business. Berrett-Koehler.
Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism and collectivism. Westview Press.
Uche, C. (2010). China’s economic engagement in Africa: The case of Nigeria. African Journal of Economic Policy, 17(1), 1–20.
Umejei, E. (2020). Chinese media in Africa: Communication and cultural exchange. African Studies Quarterly.
Vitalis, P. O., Aondover, E. M., Ogunbola, O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Ridwan, M. (2025). Accessing Digital Divide and Implications in Nigeria: The Media Dimension. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 8(1), 1-12.
Wang, Y., & Adebayo, T. (2020). Educational exchange and cross-cultural competence in China–Nigeria relations. International Education Review.
Wang, Y., & Jiang, H. (2023). Understanding Chinese diplomatic behavior: Implications for Africa–China relations. China and Global South Journal, 5(1), 59–80.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Original Paper Modernization, Marxist, Dependency and Alternative Theories of Development Communication: A Critical Review.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.
Yusuf, K. A., & Collins, B. T. (2019). Trade imbalance and technology transfer in Sino-Nigerian relations: A strategic policy assessment. Journal of African Development and International Cooperation, 14(3), 98–117.
Zhang, L., & Okonkwo, M. (2023). Cultural bridges: Confucius Institutes and Nigeria–China cooperation. Journal of Global Cultural Exchange, 11(1), 45–63.