This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the political and socio-economic relationship between Nigeria and China from 1999 to 2010, examining key areas such as bilateral trade, investment projects, and developmental assistance. It explores how this relationship evolved from a more political and diplomatic approach to a predominantly economic nature, highlighting the differences between Western and Chinese approaches to aiding economic development. The study underscores the significance of China’s engagement with Nigeria, not only in terms of economic cooperation but also in strategic implications for Africa’s gradual march to economic self-determination. Despite being portrayed as a win-win partnership, the research reveals both opportunities and challenges inherent in this bilateral relationship. While Nigeria stands to benefit from China’s economic growth and development strategies, it also faces the need to ensure maximum net benefit and address concerns such as technology transfer, job creation, and compliance with local laws and regulations. The dissertation concludes with recommendations for aligning and mainstreaming this bilateral relationship with Nigeria’s developmental strategies, emphasizing the importance of regional and international cooperation in achieving broader developmental goals.