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It is an undeniable fact that if Nigeria should continue with its present attitude towards the Chinese BRI, it may end up under the control of the Chinese government. However, this would not occur if the Nigerian government plans strategically to achieve the country's national interest through this initiative. Nigeria should make good use of the opportunities presented by the BRI while also taking necessary measures to prevent potential implications which has become associated the BRI in Nigeria. One prominent challenge is combating corruption. Corruption has gradually become a defining characteristic of the Nigerian society. It has become a major problem in the process of carrying out BRI projects. In other to address these issue, the Nigerian government should ensure that loan funds are allocated transparently and are used effectively for the projects for which they are borrowed. This involves fostering a culture of accountability and enforcing strict oversight mechanisms. It is also essential that government officials who accept bribes from Chinese officials or use BRI loans for their personal enrichment are adequately punished in order to serve as a warning to others.
Nigeria should also prioritize the development of local expertise by providing opportunities for domestic firms. Thereby involving local firms and communities in the country's economic development. The BRI projects documents should be made available to the public. By making information about BRI projects public, Nigeria can reduce the risk of corruption and mismanagement of BRI funds. This means that people can see how money is being used, which can make it harder for people to embezzle BRI funds or misuse it. Investing in the education sector and fostering the training of skilled engineers and professionals to international standard would not only promote self-sufficiency in the maintenance of BRI-funded infrastructure but also improve the country's economic strength. BRI projects should be properly monitored to ensure they are carried out in compliance with domestic laws. This would prevent complete reliance on China for infrastructural development.
