Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appointed a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as the state’s Economic Adviser, describing the move as a strategic step toward positioning Bauchi as a prominent destination for global partnerships and foreign investment.
The announcement came on Thursday during the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bauchi State Government and the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi. The deal forms the foundation of what Governor Mohammed termed a “comprehensive economic transformation agenda,” with targeted initiatives across multiple sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade.
“This move is aimed at turning Bauchi into a hub for international cooperation,” the governor stated, adding that the long-term alliance is expected to “drive investment, infrastructure projects, and bilateral initiatives” that will redefine the state’s economic prospects.
Under the agreement, Bauchi will open a Representative Office in China to oversee ongoing projects, secure new investment opportunities, and ensure efficient project execution. The office will serve as a direct channel between Bauchi’s administration and potential Chinese investors, bypassing bureaucratic hurdles that often delay development initiatives.
Governor Mohammed noted that the partnership aligns with the broader diplomatic ties between President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, a relationship increasingly marked by coordinated economic ventures at both national and subnational levels.
“This agreement is not just about infrastructure—it’s about transforming lives. We are opening Bauchi to the world,” he remarked.
The governor expressed confidence that the collaboration will “boost foreign direct investment, create jobs, enhance skills, modernise key sectors and raise the state’s global profile.”
Mr. Zhensheng, who also serves as Chairman of the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged to use his influence and expertise to channel impactful investments into Bauchi.
“I promise sustainable growth, modern infrastructure and better livelihoods for the people of Bauchi,” he affirmed.
Observers point out that appointing a foreign national to a top economic advisory role is rare in Nigerian state governance, yet it signals a growing trend where states engage directly with global partners without relying solely on federal mediation.
What you should know
Governor Bala Mohammed’s appointment of Mr. Li Zhensheng as Economic Adviser is part of a wider initiative to link Bauchi directly to China’s investment network.
The collaboration is set to open new economic channels, attract large-scale infrastructure projects, and strengthen the state’s role in international trade.
