Bauchi gov appoints Chinese national as economic adviser

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appointed a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as Economic Adviser to the state government.

Mohammed made the announcement on Thursday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi.

According to him, the move is aimed at positioning Bauchi as a rising hub of international cooperation, with the long-term partnership expected to accelerate investment, infrastructure development, and bilateral collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade facilitation.

The MoU outlines a framework for cooperation, with specific project agreements to be developed on a case-by-case basis.

As part of the deal, a Bauchi State Representative Office will be established in China to oversee project implementation and ensure timely delivery,” the governor stated.

Mohammed explained that the partnership aligns with the diplomatic framework between President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, designed to strengthen relations 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, adding 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 the Chairman of the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged the Centre’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,” he said.