Ikpeazu Advocates Deeper Understanding of China in Nigeria-Africa Partnerships

• Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu urged Nigeria to prioritize research and data analysis to enhance cooperation with China
• Ikpeazu highlighted the importance of understanding China’s growth model and legal systems to improve Nigeria’s economic partnerships and strategies

The former governor of Abia State, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has urged Nigeria and African nations to prioritize research and data analysis to understand China’s system better and enhance cooperation.

Ikpeazu appealed in Abuja during the launch of Contemporary Legal Cooperation: China and Africa – A Contemporary Survey of Legal Systems, a book by Daily Trust’s judiciary reporter, John C. Azu.

He emphasized the importance of studying China’s growth journey, particularly how the nation transformed its population of over 1.3 billion people into a skilled workforce that contributes significantly to global development.

Sharing his experience as governor, Ikpeazu recalled partnering with China to establish industries in Abia State, including a textile enterprise.

However, he stressed the need for more impactful collaborations, urging China to equip Nigeria with knowledge and skills rather than merely providing aid.

“For progress in any country or business, strategy is key,” he stated. “But you cannot craft an effective strategy without understanding the data and information available.

Interestingly, the Chinese know almost every detail about Nigeria, while we know so little about them beyond their impressive GDP and poverty eradication efforts.”

Ikpeazu praised the book for exploring the legal systems of both nations, adding that understanding China’s legal framework is essential for Nigerians looking to do business there.

Dr. Olalekan Babatunde, a research fellow at the Nigerian Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and part-time professor at Zhejiang Normal University in China, reviewed the book.

He noted that it offers valuable insights into navigating legal challenges in China-Nigeria partnerships.

Meanwhile, lawyer Nnamdi Ahaiwe cautioned against misinformation about Chinese activities in Nigeria, such as allegations of workers’ rights violations and illegal mining.

He argued that such concerns often stem from media exaggerations and highlighted that Nigerian companies sometimes engage in worse practices.

Ahaiwe concluded, “These firms are made up of humans, not angels. We must address issues objectively without undue bias.”