Bala Mohammed appoints Chinese national as economic adviser

Bala Mohammed, Bauchi state governor, has appointed a Chinese national, Li Zhensheng, as economic adviser to the state government.

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

He said the move aims to position Bauchi as “a rising hub of international cooperation” and strengthen investment, infrastructure development, and collaboration in sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade facilitation.

“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.

He explained that the partnership aligns with the diplomatic framework between President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria.

“This agreement is not just about infrastructure—it’s about transforming lives. We are opening Bauchi to the world,” Mohammed said.

He added that the deal would boost foreign direct investment, create jobs, enhance skills, modernise sectors, and improve the state’s global visibility.

Zhensheng, who chairs the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged to mobilise global resources for Bauchi’s economic transformation.

“We are committed to helping Bauchi achieve sustainable growth, modern infrastructure, and improved livelihoods,” he said.