Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has advocated for responsible and sustainable mining practices that prioritise local value addition, environmental protection, and community empowerment.
The Governor stated this when he recieved the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, alongside a delegation of leading Chinese investors and business executives at the Government House, Jos, Plateau.
He also called for stronger collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in addressing illegal mining activities and safeguarding host communities.
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Governor Mutfwang who stated that agriculture remains the cornerstone of the proposed partnership with the Chinese government mentioned that the state longstanding reputation as Nigeria’s food basket and a historic centre of tin mining.
According to him, 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.
“Therefore, 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.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Plateau State, and 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 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.
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 opportunities for investment 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 both countries run into several billions of dollars, while Chinese direct investment in Nigeria reached approximately 700 million United States dollars in the previous year.
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