Bayelsa State has secured a major foreign investment boost after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese construction giant, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), at the firm’s headquarters over the weekend.
The agreement, signed by the state Governor, Douye Diri, and CCECC President, Chen Sichang, covers a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, mechanised agriculture, aquaculture, and mass housing for civil servants and low-income earners.
This new deal follows a similar agreement signed on October 14, 2025, with the Dubai-based Jampur Group for solar panel and smart electricity meter production.
Sichang described the MoU as a landmark agreement, noting the firm’s 13-year history in the state, which includes successfully completing major projects like the Tombia road, Niger Delta University road, airport access road, and the Glory Drive Phase 2.
He specifically highlighted the ongoing 630-meter Angiama-Oporoma bridge as the longest stand-alone bridge the company has ever constructed in Nigeria, assuring the governor of its timely and high-quality completion.
Sichang proposed expanding the collaboration into community access roads, power, water supply, and the production of fertiliser to boost agriculture.
He emphasised that CCECC views Bayelsa as a vital strategic partner and is prepared to invest in some projects while seeking government or credit support for others.
He stated, “We sincerely look forward to signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the state government to explore cooperation in these areas, and we hope to engage in concrete project partnerships in the near future.”
Diri, who referred to CCECC as “development partners”, recalled that his administration, which took office in 2020, settled backlogs of indebtedness to CCECC and other companies inherited from the previous administration, thus fostering continued partnership.
“When I assumed office and saw the quality of work done by your company… I decided to continue with you. For us, we see you not only as a construction company but more as a development partner,” Diri remarked.
He expressed enthusiasm that CCECC’s proposal aligns with the state’s focus on roads, agriculture, aquaculture, and housing.
The governor stressed his determination to provide mass housing within his remaining two years in office, particularly in the planned New Yenagoa City, and to prioritise the provision of basic necessities like electricity and pipe-borne water.
Diri accepted the proposal for a fertiliser plant and confirmed the government’s strong interest in mechanised agriculture and aquaculture.
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He agreed with the shift in the financing model, stating, “When you become development partners, it means the government alone is not the party bringing all the money.
“So we will agree on the financing model and the investment model. That way, you are seen more as financiers and investors and no longer as contractors.”
The governor also announced plans to invite the President of Nigeria to inaugurate the Angiama-Oporoma bridge in February of next year, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of his administration.
