The Federal Government is seeking to deepen Chinese investment and collaboration in infrastructure, technology transfer, and youth capacity building. Key areas of focus include providing specialized machinery to enhance the Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA)’s efficiency and establishing structured training programs to equip Nigerian youths with technical and mechanical skills in equipment operation and maintenance.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, stressed that such cooperation would not only strengthen Nigeria’s infrastructure base but also promote youth empowerment, job creation, and skills acquisition, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

This follows a week-long strategic visit to China by the Minister, aimed at attracting greater participation of Chinese engineering and construction firms in Nigeria’s road infrastructure renewal through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), equipment support, and human capital development. The visit also sought to leverage global expertise and investment to boost employment, commerce, and connectivity.

According to Abdullahi Mohammed, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister, Goronyo led a delegation from the Ministry and FERMA to major Chinese firms including China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), XCMG, and China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), all of which expressed readiness to expand their footprint in Nigeria’s infrastructure and skills development sectors.

At CHEC, a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), discussions focused on scaling up investments in PPP-driven highway projects. Goronyo urged the company to deepen collaboration through the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) to accelerate durable road construction across the country. He also commended CHEC for its work on the Keffi–Akwanga–Makurdi Highway and encouraged expansion of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives toward technical training for Nigerian youths.

The delegation also explored collaboration with XCMG, a global leader in construction and heavy-duty maintenance equipment, on equipment supply and workforce training. Goronyo highlighted that this partnership would support FERMA in modernizing operations and maintaining Nigeria’s 36,000-kilometre federal road network.

At CGGC’s Beijing headquarters, discussions centered on PPP models and human capacity development for Nigerian engineers and construction professionals. The Minister proposed scholarships for young Nigerian engineers to train in China and the establishment of local training centers to enhance domestic technical expertise. CGGC’s President, Zhang Jun, pledged to send a high-level delegation to Abuja for follow-up discussions and the drafting of a joint cooperation framework.

Earlier in Beijing, Goronyo visited the Nigerian Embassy and underscored the importance of closer synergy between Nigerian missions abroad and the Ministry of Works in driving foreign partnerships that support national development goals.

The China visit, conducted under the existing Technical Cooperation Agreement between FERMA and China’s Global Cooperation Promotion Research Center, represents a significant step in Nigeria’s strategy to attract global investment and expertise for infrastructure modernization, technology exchange, and youth empowerment.

Through partnerships with CHEC, XCMG, and CGGC, Nigeria is building a framework to transform the road sector, enhance human capital, and strengthen the longstanding Nigeria–China bilateral relationship for inclusive, sustainable development.