The Plateau State Government has intensified its strategic partnership with China as part of efforts to attract investment, drive agricultural transformation, and accelerate infrastructure development, positioning the state for greater participation in the global economy.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang made this known on Monday when he received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, alongside a delegation of Chinese investors and business executives at the Government House in Jos.
The visit forms part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships and attract foreign direct investment into key sectors including agriculture, mining, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure, and industrial development.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Mutfwang described the relationship between Plateau State and China as one that has steadily grown over the years. He emphasized the need to expand cooperation beyond national-level engagements by establishing direct partnerships between Plateau State and Chinese provinces.
According to the governor, his administration is focused on forging partnerships that will unlock the state’s economic potential through investment, technology transfer, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
He identified agriculture as a major area of collaboration, noting that Plateau State has long been recognized as Nigeria’s food basket and a historic mining hub. He said the government is committed to modernizing the agricultural sector by promoting mechanization, increasing productivity, developing cold-chain infrastructure, supporting livestock production, and expanding agro-processing activities.
Mutfwang highlighted plans for a proposed 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport, which he said would serve as a gateway for agricultural exports and improve value addition for farmers and agribusinesses.
The governor also pointed to investment opportunities in poultry, dairy farming, fisheries, and animal feed production, stressing the need to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products by developing a competitive local livestock industry.
On mining, he advocated responsible and environmentally sustainable practices that encourage local value addition and community development. He also sought closer collaboration with Chinese authorities in tackling illegal mining activities in the state.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yu described Plateau as a strategic destination for investment due to its abundant natural resources, favorable climate, and strong agricultural potential.
He commended Governor Mutfwang’s leadership and ongoing development initiatives, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and governance.
The ambassador assured the state government of continued support from both the Chinese Government and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, noting that the visiting delegation included executives from four internationally recognized Chinese companies with extensive experience operating in Nigeria.
According to him, the engagement is expected to open new opportunities for investment in transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development across Plateau State.
Ambassador Yu also highlighted the growing economic relationship between China and Nigeria, revealing that bilateral trade between both countries is worth several billions of dollars annually. He added that Chinese direct investment in Nigeria reached approximately $700 million in the previous year.
He further disclosed that China’s recently introduced 100 percent zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports could create significant opportunities for Plateau agricultural products to access one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Drawing lessons from China’s development experience, the ambassador noted that agricultural reforms had helped lift more than 800 million people out of poverty. He pledged China’s support in improving agricultural productivity, expanding processing capacity, strengthening livestock production, and developing agricultural value chains in Plateau State.
Addressing concerns over illegal mining, Yu reiterated China’s zero-tolerance stance on unlawful mining activities and assured the state government of cooperation in identifying and prosecuting offenders while encouraging responsible investors to comply with existing regulations.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the engagement would usher in a new phase of mutually beneficial cooperation between Plateau State and China, with expected gains in investment, job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development.
The meeting is seen as another step in Plateau State’s efforts to attract international investment and position itself as a competitive destination for business and industrial growth.
