As part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s road infrastructure and maintenance capacity, the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Goronyo, led a technical delegation to China, accompanied by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi and senior officials of the Ministry.
The visit, coordinated by the China–Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAETP) through the Global China Project Research Centre (GCPRC), was aimed at deepening cooperation in technology transfer, equipment support and capacity-building to advance the delivery of modern and sustainable road infrastructure in Nigeria.
Day 1: Nigeria Engages CHEC on Technology Transfer and Modern Road Maintenance Solutions
On arrival in China, the delegation was received by Mr. Jimmy Ebi Patrick, Charge D’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy and his team, before meeting with the China–Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAETP).
The first engagement was with China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), where discussions focused on technology transfer, training and modern maintenance solutions aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
CHEC expressed readiness to collaborate through technical exchange programmes, training initiatives and joint project delivery aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s federal road network.
The delegation also included Engr. Gulloma Usman Muhammad, Acting Director, East Operations (FERMA); Engr. Dr. Chukwuemeka Maduagwu, Special Assistant to the FERMA MD; and Engr. Sanusi Ahmed Abdulqadir, Special Assistant (Technical) to the Minister of State for Works, among others.
“We are determined to ensure that every partnership translates into measurable improvements on Nigerian roads,” said Barr. Goronyo.
“FERMA is committed to adopting innovative solutions that will redefine road maintenance in line with the Renewed Hope vision,” added Dr. Agbasi.
Day 2: Ministry and FERMA Strengthen Collaboration with XCMG on Equipment Support and Capacity Building.
Continuing the engagements, the delegation visited Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG), a global leader in construction and road maintenance equipment.
The team toured XCMG’s state-of-the-art facilities covering excavation, mining and road construction technologies and explored equipment solutions tailored to Africa’s diverse terrains.
Discussions centered on technology innovation, local capacity building and equipment support, with XCMG confirming plans to dispatch a technical team to Nigeria to work with FERMA on pilot projects and collaborative training programmes.
“This partnership underscores the importance of modern machinery and knowledge transfer in building safer and more durable roads,” noted Dr. Agbasi.
Day 3: CGGC Pledges Support for Performance-Based Maintenance and Capacity Development
The final round of high-level meetings featured an engagement with the China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), led by its President, Mr. Zhang Jun. Discussions focused on performance-based maintenance models, equipment leasing and capacity development for Nigerian engineers.
Dr. Agbasi presented FERMA’s proposed State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) model designed to drive efficient road rehabilitation and maintenance operations. CGGC welcomed the proposal and committed to developing a joint technical and commercial framework, including follow-up visits to Nigeria to support training, equipment provision and scholarship schemes for young Nigerian engineers.
“Our collaboration with CGGC reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure that supports economic growth and national connectivity,” said Barr. Goronyo.
Summary: Turning Engagements into Action for Nigeria’s Road Network
At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation finalized strategic engagements with leading construction and engineering firms in Shandong and Hunan, aimed at translating dialogue into actionable results.
Key commitments secured include technology transfer programmes, capacity-building for engineers, equipment support, pilot projects and training scholarships for young Nigerians.
Barr. Goronyo described the mission as a major step forward in delivering modern, sustainable and high-quality road networks, while Dr. Agbasi assured that FERMA would ensure the outcomes are swiftly implemented.
“We are returning with concrete commitments that will deliver safer, more efficient roads across Nigeria,” affirmed Barr. Goronyo.
“FERMA will translate these partnerships into visible improvements nationwide,” added Dr. Agbasi.
The visit reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships for infrastructure renewal, emphasizing innovation, technology and human capacity development as key drivers of progress.
Through the Ministry of Works and FERMA, Nigeria continues to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring sustainable road infrastructure that supports economic growth and the well-being of citizens.