Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appointed a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as Economic Adviser to the state government in a move aimed at deepening international cooperation and driving large-scale investments into the state.
The announcement came on Thursday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bauchi State and the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi.
Governor Mohammed said the partnership is designed to position Bauchi as an emerging hub for global collaboration, with the long-term agreement expected to spur investment, infrastructure growth, and bilateral projects across key sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade facilitation.
The MoU provides a broad framework for cooperation, with specific project agreements to be developed on a case-by-case basis. As part of the deal, a Bauchi State Representative Office will be established in China to coordinate project implementation and ensure timely delivery.
“This agreement is not just about infrastructure, it’s about transforming lives. We are opening Bauchi to the world,” Mohammed said, adding that the initiative aligns with the diplomatic framework between President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, aimed at strengthening relations at both national and subnational levels.
Governor Mohammed further stressed that the partnership would boost foreign direct investment, create jobs, upgrade skills, modernise vital sectors, and enhance Bauchi’s profile on the global stage.
In his remarks, Mr. Zhensheng, Chairman of the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged full commitment to mobilising global resources to support Bauchi’s economic transformation.
“We are committed to helping Bauchi achieve sustainable growth, modern infrastructure, and improved livelihoods,” Zhensheng assured.