By Our Correspondent
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appointed a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as Economic Adviser to the state government, a decision he says is central to transforming Bauchi into a major hub for international cooperation and foreign investment.
The announcement was made 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 agreement sets the stage for what the governor describes as a “comprehensive economic transformation agenda,” with targeted interventions in 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,” Mohammed declared, adding that the long-term partnership is expected to “drive investment, infrastructure projects, and bilateral initiatives” that would reshape the state’s economic landscape.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bauchi will establish a Representative Office in China to coordinate ongoing projects, negotiate new investments, and monitor timely delivery. Officials say the office will also serve as a direct link between Bauchi’s government and Chinese investors, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that often slow down development projects.
Governor Mohammed emphasised that the initiative aligns with the broader diplomatic framework between President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria — a relationship increasingly characterised by strategic economic partnerships 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 said.
The governor expressed optimism that the collaboration would “boost foreign direct investment, create jobs, enhance skills, modernise key sectors and raise the state’s global profile.”
For his part, Mr. Zhensheng, who is also the Chairman of the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged to leverage his network and expertise to attract meaningful investment into Bauchi.
“I promise sustainable growth, modern infrastructure and better livelihoods for the people of Bauchi,” he assured.
Analysts note that the appointment of a foreign national to a key economic advisory role is unusual in Nigerian state politics, but reflects an emerging trend where subnational governments bypass traditional federal channels to engage directly with international partners.
