Bauchi State Government and a Chinese firm, Shandong Minsheng Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the “Belt and Road” Initiative to deepen collaboration and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
During the ceremony held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, the General Manager of Shandong Minsheng Group, Liu Shana, signed on behalf of the Chinese firm, while the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Hassan El Yaqub SAN, Commissioner of Natural Resources Development, Mohammed Maiwada Bello, and the Commissioner of Agriculture, Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, signed on behalf of the Bauchi State Government.
The Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Aminu Hammayo, watched the ceremony in excitement.
The agreement centres on the exploration of mineral resources as well as other agricultural support across the state, thereby increasing economic growth and development as well as job creation for the citizens.
Speaking shortly after the MoU had been officially signed and sealed, State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, appreciated the Shandong Minsheng Group for the partnership.
He also stated that, collectively with the Federal Government, mineral and natural resources in Bauchi State would be unbundled to further improve the revenue base of the state and create job opportunities in the fields of mining and agriculture.
He charged the line ministries never to compromise, as the MoU seeks to, among other things, attract investors that will contribute to the growth of domestic products of the state and the country.
According to him, “As an important economic and cultural hub in West Africa, Bauchi State is endowed with unique resources and has unlimited development potential. Shandong Minsheng Group deeply realises that this cooperation is not only a practice of responding to the call of the Chinese government and a deepening important step in the group’s internationalisation strategy, but also a vivid China-Africa friendly cooperation.”
The Governor added that, “To this end, we have done a lot of preliminary preparations, and have worked closely with well-known Chinese exploration institutions, agricultural departments, and technical personnel in the fields of agriculture and mining to conduct detailed exploration of Bauchi State’s mineral resources.”
He added that it will also conduct in-depth research on the local agriculture and mining industries, and establish extensive cooperative relations. It can be said that this cooperation is an inevitable choice for both parties to complement each other’s advantages and achieve win-win development.
Liu Shana stated, “As the General Manager of Shandong Minsheng Group, I am fully aware of the importance and responsibility of this cooperation. Here, on behalf of Shandong Minsheng Group, I solemnly promise that we will always bear in mind the three missions and inject new impetus into the economic development of Bauchi State.”
She assured that her firm will introduce advanced technologies in the agricultural sector, build a modern planting demonstration base, and empower local farmers with technology to promote industrial upgrading, increase production, and income.
“In the mining sector, we will introduce green exploration equipment and efficient processing technology to ensure that resource development and environmental protection go hand in hand, and help Bauchi State achieve low-carbon transformation and green development,” she added.
According to her, “We believe that the introduction and application of modern technology will effectively enhance the industrial competitiveness of Bauchi State. Focusing on people’s livelihood and creating sustainable value: In the next three years, the joint venture will improve the vocational skills and income level of local people through agricultural technology training and other means.”
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