Nigeria is seeking a stronger technology partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) Nigeria Limited to harness engineering, science, technology and innovation for the country’s infrastructure and development needs.

The Federal Government says the proposed collaboration should go beyond deploying imported technologies to building sustainable local capabilities that can enable Nigeria to develop and adapt solutions to its own development challenges.

Dr Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, made the call when he received a delegation from CRBC Nigeria Limited, led by Zhou Hao, Managing Director and Senior Engineer, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

Udeh said science, technology and innovation are central to the Federal Government’s efforts to accelerate economic development, improve infrastructure, create employment and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.

The minister stressed the importance of partnerships that can translate technological expertise into practical solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges.

He said Nigeria has substantial human and intellectual resources capable of driving technological development, including engineers, researchers, professionals and young innovators.

According to Udeh, greater exposure to modern technologies and global best practices would strengthen the capacity of Nigerian professionals and innovators to develop solutions suited to the country’s needs.

“The Ministry,” Udeh added, “was committed to promoting partnerships that go beyond the deployment of imported technologies to the development of sustainable local capabilities.” 

Nigeria wants technology transfer, local capacity

Udeh’s position places local capacity development at the centre of the proposed engagement with CRBC, rather than limiting the relationship to the deployment of foreign engineering technologies.

The minister said building indigenous capacity would enable Nigeria to better adapt, develop and deploy technologies while strengthening its position in the global innovation ecosystem.

The approach could also create opportunities for Nigerian engineers, researchers and young innovators to gain exposure to modern engineering technologies and international best practices.

For the government, stronger collaboration between Nigerian institutions and international engineering companies could help translate technical expertise into solutions that respond to the country’s infrastructure requirements while contributing to broader economic development.

The engagement with CRBC therefore places emphasis on the potential for international expertise to support the development of local knowledge and capabilities.

CRBC signals interest in Nigeria partnership

Speaking during the visit, Zhou Hao appreciated the minister for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed CRBC Nigeria Limited’s interest in strengthening its engagement with relevant Nigerian institutions.

He expressed the company’s readiness to explore areas where its engineering expertise, technology and innovation could contribute to Nigeria’s infrastructural development and broader economic transformation.

The engagement underscores the potential for deeper collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and CRBC Nigeria Limited.