Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has announced the appointment of a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as the new Economic Adviser to the state government.
The appointment, confirmed on Saturday, has attracted wide attention as it marks a rare instance of a foreign national being given a key advisory role within a Nigerian state administration.
According to the Bauchi State Government, the decision was driven by the need to attract international expertise and strengthen the state’s economic planning and development strategies. Governor Mohammed explained that Zhensheng’s appointment is part of ongoing efforts to reposition Bauchi as a competitive hub for investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial growth.
Mr. Li Zhensheng is said to have a strong background in business consultancy and international trade. The government highlighted his experience in fostering partnerships between African countries and China, particularly in areas such as agricultural technology, manufacturing, and resource development. Officials believe his knowledge will help Bauchi expand opportunities for foreign direct investment and access to global markets.
The governor expressed optimism that Zhensheng’s input will enhance the state’s economic policies and open new channels for cooperation with international investors. He stated that Bauchi is rich in agricultural potential and mineral resources but requires more technical and financial partnerships to realize its full development capacity. Mohammed stressed that having a foreign economic adviser with extensive global connections would give the state an edge in attracting meaningful investments.
The appointment comes at a time when many Nigerian states are exploring ways to boost internally generated revenue and reduce dependence on federal allocations. Bauchi, like several others, faces challenges of unemployment, underdeveloped infrastructure, and limited private sector growth. Governor Mohammed has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s commitment to economic diversification and the modernization of the state’s agricultural sector.
Reactions have been mixed following the announcement. Supporters of the governor’s move argue that it demonstrates openness to international collaboration and reflects a pragmatic approach to solving economic challenges. They believe that tapping into Chinese expertise could lead to tangible improvements in industrialization and trade, particularly as China remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners.
However, critics have raised concerns over the implications of appointing a foreign national to such a sensitive advisory role. Some commentators questioned whether the appointment might sideline qualified Nigerians who could serve in the same capacity. Others argued that while foreign expertise is valuable, the state must ensure that its long-term interests are safeguarded and that local professionals remain central to policy development.
The Bauchi State Government has defended the appointment, stating that Zhensheng will work alongside Nigerian experts rather than replacing them. Officials emphasized that his role is advisory and focused on providing international perspectives that can complement existing economic strategies. They insisted that his involvement would not undermine local capacity but instead strengthen the overall planning framework.
Governor Mohammed has previously signaled his administration’s interest in strengthening ties with China. During his tenure, Bauchi has pursued multiple discussions with Chinese firms in the areas of infrastructure, mining, and agricultural mechanization. The new appointment is seen as a continuation of this policy direction, aimed at cementing stronger economic cooperation between the state and Chinese partners.
The development places Bauchi in the spotlight as one of the few states in Nigeria to formally integrate a foreign national into its policy advisory team. With Zhensheng’s appointment now official, attention will turn to how his presence influences policy direction and whether the state will see measurable economic gains in the months ahead.
The Bauchi State Government is expected to release more details about Zhensheng’s immediate responsibilities and the specific projects he will be tasked with guiding. For now, Governor Mohammed has expressed confidence that the appointment marks a significant step toward transforming Bauchi’s economy and building sustainable growth for the future.
