Bauchi Governor Appoints Chinese National As Economic Adviser.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has announced the appointment of Mr. Li Zhensheng, a Chinese national, as the state’s Economic Adviser, marking a bold step towards enhancing international cooperation and economic growth. The appointment was revealed on Thursday, 14 August 2025, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bauchi State Government and the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi.
Governor Mohammed described the partnership as a transformative move to position Bauchi as a hub for global collaboration. The MoU aims to foster investment and development across key sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade facilitation. As part of the agreement, a Bauchi State Representative Office will be established in China to oversee project implementation and ensure efficient delivery. “This agreement is not just about infrastructure—it’s about transforming lives. We are opening Bauchi to the world,” Mohammed stated, emphasising the potential for increased foreign direct investment, job creation, and modernisation of critical sectors.
Mr. Li Zhensheng, who also serves as Chairman of the China Global Poverty Reduction Center (CGPCRC), brings extensive expertise to his new role. He pledged to leverage his experience and the centre’s resources to drive sustainable growth, modern infrastructure, and improved livelihoods in Bauchi. “We are committed to helping Bauchi achieve economic transformation,” Zhensheng said, underscoring his dedication to mobilising global expertise for the state’s benefit.
The partnership aligns with the broader diplomatic framework between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties at both national and subnational levels. Governor Mohammed highlighted that the collaboration would enhance Bauchi’s global visibility and facilitate technology transfers, with specific project agreements to be developed on a case-by-case basis.
The appointment has sparked varied reactions. Some, including local commentators on social media, expressed concerns about prioritising a foreign national over local economists, viewing it as a potential oversight of Bauchi’s talent pool. Others, however, see it as a strategic move to attract international investors and tap into China’s expertise in infrastructure and industrial development. “The real test is whether this foreign insight can truly solve local problems,” one observer noted on X.
Governor Mohammed remains optimistic, citing China’s proven track record in delivering transformative projects across Africa. As Economic Adviser, Mr. Zhensheng is expected to play a pivotal role in crafting strategies to attract investors, foster public-private partnerships, and guide large-scale infrastructure projects. The establishment of the Bauchi State Representative Office in China further underscores the state’s commitment to forging long-term global partnerships.
This development reflects a growing trend among Nigerian states to seek international expertise to accelerate economic progress. As Bauchi embarks on this ambitious journey, the partnership with the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre is poised to deliver tangible benefits, from job creation to enhanced skills development, positioning the state as a rising player on the global stage.
