We are open for investment, perm sec tells Chinese firm

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, has stated that Nigeria has significant investment opportunities and remains open to partnerships capable of contributing to national development.

Belgore stated this when he received a delegation from TEC Engineering on a courtesy visit to the ministry.

He expressed the readiness of the ministry to deepen engagement with TEC Engineering Company (Nigeria) Limited, a subsidiary of China Railway International Group, particularly in the areas of large-scale housing development, urban renewal and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

While welcoming the delegation, he also appreciated the TEC Engineering Company’s contributions to Nigeria, particularly its operations across several states and its employment of Nigerians.

Belgore explained that the ministry was committed to providing affordable homes for Nigerians through different approaches, including direct construction, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and collaboration with private developers.

He said the ministry was determined to make significant progress reducing the country’s housing deficit, estimated at about 15 million units over the next decade, adding that achieving this would require strong partnerships with the private sector.

The permanent secretary also highlighted the ministry’s urban renewal efforts, explaining that the focus was not only on providing houses, but also on improving the infrastructure and living conditions within communities.

Speaking on TEC Engineering’s ongoing project in Kano, Belgore commended the company for the progress recorded so far. He acknowledged the delay in budgetary releases and encouraged the company to sustain the pace of work, assuring that the necessary provisions would be addressed.

Earlier, President of China Railway International Group, Zhao Jinxiang, who led the delegation, thanked the ministry for entrusting TEC Engineering with the reconstruction of the covered conduits and roads project in Kano State, saying the company would continue to push forward with the work despite some challenges at the project site.