Why Countries Give Aid: A Comparison of US’ And China’s Interests in Nigeria

Abstract

The ineffectiveness of foreign aid has been blamed on poor policies and institutions in the recipient state. However, aid scholars have not paid much attention to the donor’s intentions for giving aids. This study examined the rationale behind the US’ and China’s aids to Nigeria. It examined the primary and secondary interests of both countries to Nigeria. The study used realism and power theory as the theoretical foundations of comparing US’ and China’s interests in Nigeria. The study used a historical-descriptive research design with secondary data from journals articles, textbooks and online articles. The secondary data were analyzed using content analysis. This study found that the US and China gave aid to Nigeria as a tool to meet its economic interests. This study concludes that foreign aid is not a product of altruism but rather a product of the donor’s national interests. The study recommended that Nigeria should assess the cost and benefits of aid receipts from the US and China to ensure it meets its own strategic interests.