The Plateau State Government has taken a major step toward expanding its global economic partnerships following a high-level engagement with the People’s Republic of China aimed at attracting investments and accelerating development across key sectors of the state’s economy.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, alongside a delegation of Chinese investors and business leaders at the Government House, Jos, on June 22, 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, tourism, transportation, and industrial development.
The Governor described the long-standing relationship between Plateau State and China as one with immense potential, emphasizing the need for direct partnerships between Plateau and Chinese provinces to unlock economic opportunities through technology transfer, innovation, investment, and capacity building.
Central to the discussions was agriculture, a sector Governor Mutfwang identified as critical to the state’s economic transformation agenda. He reiterated plans to modernize agricultural production through mechanization, agro-processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and livestock development.
A key highlight of the state’s vision is the proposed 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport, designed to serve as a strategic hub for agricultural exports and value-added production.
The Governor also showcased investment opportunities in poultry, dairy farming, fisheries, and animal feed production, noting that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported dairy products presents a significant opportunity for local industry expansion.
On mining, Governor Mutfwang called for responsible investment practices that prioritize environmental sustainability, community development, and local value addition. He also sought collaboration in combating illegal mining activities across the state.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yu Dunhai praised Plateau State’s economic potential, citing its rich natural resources, favourable climate, and strategic position as factors that make it attractive to investors.
The Ambassador commended the Mutfwang administration’s efforts in infrastructure development, agriculture, education, and governance, assuring the state of continued support from the Chinese Government and Embassy.
He disclosed that the visiting delegation included executives from four globally recognized Chinese companies already operating in Nigeria and expressed confidence that their presence would open new investment opportunities in Plateau State.
Highlighting the broader China-Nigeria economic relationship, Ambassador Yu noted that trade between both countries runs into billions of dollars annually, while Chinese direct investment in Nigeria reached approximately $700 million last year.
He also pointed to China’s newly implemented zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports as a significant opportunity for Plateau agricultural products to gain access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
The Ambassador further pledged China’s support in improving agricultural productivity, expanding processing capacity, strengthening livestock production, and enhancing agricultural value chains across the state.
Addressing concerns over illegal mining, he reiterated China’s zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful mining operations and pledged full cooperation with Plateau State authorities in ensuring compliance with mining regulations.
The engagement signals a renewed phase of economic diplomacy for Plateau State, as the government continues to seek strategic international partnerships capable of driving industrialization, creating jobs, boosting exports, and positioning the state as a leading investment destination in Nigeria and beyond.
