Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Appoints Chinese National as Economic Adviser

In a move that has sparked immediate conversation across political and economic circles, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has appointed a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as Economic Adviser to the state government.

The appointment, confirmed today, marks a rare instance of a Nigerian state officially bringing in a foreign national to shape its economic policy. While details of Mr. Zhensheng’s background have not yet been fully disclosed, sources within Government House describe him as a seasoned economic strategist with extensive experience in international trade and investment partnerships.

Governor Mohammed’s decision comes amid growing Chinese economic influence in Nigeria, particularly in infrastructure development, mining, and energy projects.

Supporters see the move as a bold step toward attracting foreign investment and tapping into China’s development expertise. Critics, however, have raised concerns about sovereignty, transparency, and the implications of outsourcing sensitive economic strategy to a non-Nigerian adviser.

As the appointment gains traction online, political analysts are already debating whether this could mark the start of a new wave of foreign appointments in state governance — or whether it will fuel deeper scrutiny over the role of foreign actors in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.