China’s interest in Nigerian oil was strongly encouraged by the Nigerian government during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007), which demanded of it ‘oil for infrastructure’. Obasanjo’s government auctioned oil blocs in bidding rounds that required Chinese bidders to commit themselves to providing Nigeria with major infrastructural projects. After initial hesitation, Beijing responded positively, coupling its investments with substantial involvement in Nigerian construction projects.
SAIIA sincerely thanks those who acted as peer reviewers for these papers.
