Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appointed a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as an economic adviser to the state government, in a move aimed at boosting foreign investment and accelerating economic growth in the state.
The appointment was announced on Thursday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the state government and the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi.
Gov. Bala described the partnership as a “strategic turning point” for Bauchi, positioning the state as an emerging hub for international cooperation, infrastructure development, and trade facilitation.
Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate in key sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and international trade.
Specific project agreements will be developed on a case-by-case basis to ensure targeted implementation.
“As part of the deal, a Bauchi State Representative Office will be established in China to oversee project execution and ensure timely delivery,” Gov. Bala revealed.
He added that the partnership aligns with the broader diplomatic framework between President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, aimed at deepening bilateral ties 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,” the governor said.
“This collaboration will boost foreign direct investment, create jobs, enhance skills, modernise key sectors, and improve Bauchi’s global visibility.”
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Mr. Li Zhensheng, who also serves as the chairman of the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged the organisation’s 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 said.
As economic adviser, Zhensheng will play a central role in developing strategies to attract international investors, facilitate public-private partnerships, and guide large-scale infrastructure projects across the state.
This move reflects a growing trend of Nigerian states forging direct partnerships with international stakeholders to accelerate development.
By setting up a representative office in China, Bauchi aims to tap into global markets, secure advanced technology transfers, and build long-term business relationships.
Gov. Bala expressed optimism that the collaboration would deliver “tangible benefits for the people of Bauchi,” citing China’s track record in delivering transformative infrastructure and industrial projects across Africa.
