In a landmark move aimed at boosting foreign investment and global partnerships, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has appointed Chinese national Mr. Li Zhensheng as the state’s Economic Adviser.
The announcement came on Thursday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bauchi State Government and the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre. The agreement is designed to position Bauchi as a strategic hub for international cooperation, unlocking new opportunities in sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade facilitation.
Governor Mohammed said the MoU will pave the way for a long-term partnership focused on accelerating infrastructure development, attracting foreign direct investment, and enhancing bilateral collaboration.
“As part of the deal, we will establish a Bauchi State Representative Office in China to oversee project implementation and ensure timely delivery,” the governor stated, adding that the partnership aligns with the broader diplomatic framework between President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria.
He stressed that the agreement goes beyond physical development.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about transforming lives. We are opening Bauchi to the world. This collaboration will create jobs, improve skills, modernise our economy, and raise Bauchi’s profile on the global stage,” Mohammed said.
In his acceptance speech, Zhensheng — who also chairs the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre — pledged to leverage his organisation’s global network to attract investors and resources to Bauchi.
“We are committed to helping Bauchi achieve sustainable growth, modern infrastructure, and improved livelihoods for its people,” Zhensheng said.
The MoU outlines a flexible cooperation framework, with specific projects to be agreed upon and executed on a case-by-case basis.
Observers say the move is a bold step in subnational diplomacy, reflecting a growing trend where Nigerian states are directly forging strategic international alliances to drive economic growth.
