Bauchi Governor Appoints Chinese National as Economic Adviser

Bauchi State has entered a new era of international cooperation as Governor Bala Mohammed announced the appointment of Mr. Li Zhensheng, a prominent Chinese national, as Economic Adviser to the state government. Mr. Zhensheng, who chairs the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi, now becomes the first foreign national to hold such a strategic position within a Nigerian state government.

The announcement, made during the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bauchi State and China, signals a robust bid to modernise key sectors, attract foreign direct investment, and elevate Bauchi to global prominence. Governor Bala Mohammed explained that the collaboration is designed to “boost foreign direct investment, create jobs, enhance skills, modernise key sectors, and improve Bauchi’s global visibility.” He described the bilateral partnership as transformative: “This agreement is not just about infrastructure—it’s about transforming lives. We are opening Bauchi to the world.”

Mr. Li Zhensheng’s centre will work directly with Bauchi on economic development initiatives, leveraging Chinese expertise and global resources. “I pledge to mobilize the Centre’s global resources to boost Bauchi’s economic growth,” Zhensheng stated at a press briefing following his appointment.

A central part of the partnership is the establishment of a Bauchi State Representative Office in China. This office is tasked with overseeing project implementation and ensuring the timely delivery of all joint efforts—including those aimed at mineral resource exploration, agricultural enhancement, and infrastructure modernization—across the state.

The MoU, witnessed by top government officials from Bauchi and Chinese executives, outlines joint exploration and development in agriculture and mineral resources, as well as a skills transfer program. Shandong Minsheng Group, a leading Chinese investment firm, signed on behalf of China, committing to bring technical expertise and investments that will support Bauchi’s goal of becoming an economic hub in West Africa.

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Governor Mohammed called on ministries and agencies never to compromise on the ambitions of the agreement, noting that the deal is pivotal for Bauchi’s future growth and international relevance. “We have worked closely with Chinese exploration institutions and agricultural departments, conducting detailed research and setting the stage for win-win development,” he said.

The partnership builds on earlier recognitions, with Bauchi receiving China’s “Outstanding Partnership Award” at the 2025 Shandong International Friendship Cities event for its proactive approach to international engagement and economic modernization.

As Bauchi State positions itself at the forefront of Nigeria-China relations, residents and stakeholders watch with expectation for new opportunities and prosperity set to emerge from this pioneering agreement.