The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has appointed a Chinese national, Li Zhensheng, as the Economic Adviser to the state government in a move aimed at boosting foreign investment and deepening international cooperation.
Mohammed made the announcement on Thursday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bauchi State and the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi.
He explained that the partnership is expected to position Bauchi as a rising hub for global collaboration, with targeted investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade facilitation.
The MoU provides a framework for cooperation, with specific project agreements to be handled 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.
The governor stressed that the arrangement aligns with the diplomatic framework between President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, which seeks to strengthen ties at both national and subnational levels.
He added that the collaboration would “boost foreign direct investment, create jobs, enhance skills, modernise key sectors, and improve Bauchi’s global visibility.”
In his remarks, Zhensheng, who is also the Chairman of the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged the organisation’s commitment to mobilising global resources for Bauchi’s economic growth.
“We are committed to helping Bauchi achieve sustainable growth, modern infrastructure, and improved livelihoods,” Zhensheng said.
