L-R: Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau and Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, during the latter’s visit to Jos.
By Pamson Musa
The Plateau State Government and the Peoples Republic of China have pledged to strengthen strategic economic cooperation on multiple fronts through mutual international engagement efforts between the two sides.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang made this known when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, alongside leading Chinese investors and business executives at the Government House, Jos.
The governor pledged to reinforce global confidence in the state’s investment climate and position Plateau as an emerging hub for agriculture, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, tourism, and industrial development.
Mutfwang described the relationship between Plateau and China as one that had evolved steadily over several decades.
He emphasized the need to deepen cooperation beyond national-level bilateral engagements by fostering direct partnerships between the state and Chinese provinces.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to seek meaningful partnerships capable of unlocking the state’s vast economic potential through investment, technology transfer, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
“Agriculture remains the cornerstone of the proposed partnership,” he stated, adding that the state already had a longstanding reputation as Nigeria’s food basket and a historic centre of tin mining.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture from subsistence-based production to a modern, commercially driven sector through increased mechanisation, improved yields, cold-chain infrastructure, livestock development, and agro-processing.
Mutfwang said the proposed 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone located near the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport would serve as a strategic gateway for agricultural exports to regional and global markets.
According to him, it will significantly enhance value addition and market access for farmers and agribusinesses.
Gov. Mutfwang further highlighted investment opportunities in poultry production, dairy farming, fisheries, and animal feed manufacturing in the state.
The governor observed that Nigeria’s substantial expenditure on imported dairy products underscored the urgent need to develop a modern and competitive livestock industry capable of meeting domestic demand.
On the mining sector, the governor advocated responsible and sustainable mining practices that prioritize local value addition, environmental protection, and community empowerment.
He also called for stronger collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in addressing illegal mining activities and safeguarding host communities.
Speaking earlier, Anb. Yu reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Plateau State.
He described the state as a strategic economic destination that is endowed with abundant natural resources, favourable climatic conditions, and significant agricultural potential.
The Chinese envoy lauded the governor’s leadership and developmental initiatives, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, education, and the promotion of the rule of law.
He assured the state government of the continued support of both the Chinese Government and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
Yu disclosed that the visiting delegation included executives from four globally recognised Chinese companies with extensive investment experience in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that their engagement would create new opportunities for investment in infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and industrial development across Plateau State.
Highlighting the growing economic relations between China and Nigeria, the envoy disclosed that bilateral trade between both countries run into several billions of dollars.
He added that China’s direct investment in Nigeria had reached approximately 700 million dollars in the previous year.
The ambassador said China’s recently unveiled 100 per cent zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports presented a significant opportunity for the state’s agricultural products to gain access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Drawing from China’s development experience, Yu noted that modern agricultural reforms had helped lift more than 800 million people out of poverty.
He pledged China’s readiness to support Plateau State in improving agricultural productivity, expanding processing capacity, enhancing livestock production, and strengthening agricultural value chains.
Addressing concerns relating to illegal mining, the ambassador reiterated China’s zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful mining activities.
Yu assured the state government of full cooperation in identifying, prosecuting, and sanctioning offenders while encouraging responsible investors to operate strictly within the law.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the engagement marked the beginning of a new phase of mutually beneficial cooperation between Plateau and China.
