Plateau Govt Partners with China To Develop Agriculture, Infrastructure

Plateau State government has strengthened its international engagement by expanding strategic economic cooperation with the People’s Republic of China.

The deal has reinforced global confidence in the state’s investment climate and emerging as an agricultural, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, tourism and industrial development hub.

Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, alongside a delegation of leading Chinese investors and business executives at the Government House, Jos.

During the visit, Governor Mutfwang described the relationship between the state and China as one that has evolved steadily over several decades.

He emphasised the need to deepen cooperation beyond national-level bilateral engagements by fostering direct partnerships between Plateau State and Chinese provinces.

The governor reiterated that his administration seeks 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,” Governor Mutfwang stated, noting Plateau State’s longstanding reputation as Nigeria’s food basket and a historic centre of tin mining. He stressed 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.

According to the Governor, the proposed 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone located near the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport will serve as a strategic gateway for agricultural exports to regional and global markets, significantly enhancing value addition and market access for farmers and agribusinesses.

Governor Mutfwang further highlighted investment opportunities in poultry production, dairy farming, fisheries, and animal feed manufacturing. He observed that Nigeria’s substantial expenditure on imported dairy products underscores the urgent need to develop a modern and competitive livestock industry capable of meeting domestic demand.

In the mining sector, the Governor advocated responsible, sustainable mining practices that prioritise local value addition, environmental protection, and community empowerment. He also called for stronger collaboration with the Chinese Embassy to address illegal mining activities and safeguard host communities.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Plateau State in his remarks. He described the state as a strategic economic destination endowed with abundant natural resources, favourable climatic conditions, and significant agricultural potential.

The Ambassador commended Governor Mutfwang’s leadership and developmental initiatives, particularly in 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.

Ambassador 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 investment opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and industrial development across Plateau State.

Highlighting the growing economic relations between China and Nigeria, the Ambassador revealed that bilateral trade between the two countries runs into several billion dollars. At the same time, Chinese direct investment in Nigeria reached approximately $ 700 million in the previous year.

He further noted that China’s recently implemented 100 per cent zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports presents a significant opportunity for Plateau State’s agricultural products to gain access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Drawing from China’s development experience, Ambassador Yu observed 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 about illegal mining, the Ambassador reiterated China’s zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful mining activities and assured the Plateau 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 would mark the beginning of a new phase of mutually beneficial cooperation between Plateau State and China.