The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has expressed its readiness to deepen collaboration with TEC Engineering Company (Nigeria) Limited, a subsidiary of China Railway International Group, as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and accelerate urban renewal initiatives across the country.
The commitment was reiterated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from TEC Engineering to the Ministry in Abuja. Belgore said the Federal Government remains committed to providing affordable housing for Nigerians through various approaches, including direct construction, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and collaboration with private sector developers.
According to him, Nigeria faces a housing deficit estimated at about 15 million units, making it imperative for the government to work closely with capable private investors and development partners to deliver housing on a large scale. He noted that the Ministry is particularly interested in engaging organisations with the capacity and expertise to construct large volumes of houses while contributing to broader national development objectives.
Belgore explained that the Ministry’s vision extends beyond the construction of houses, stressing that urban renewal programmes are designed to improve the overall quality of life in communities through the provision of essential infrastructure. These include roads, drainage systems, water supply, electricity, healthcare facilities and other social amenities needed to create sustainable and livable environments.
The Permanent Secretary commended TEC Engineering for its contributions to infrastructure development in Nigeria, particularly its operations across several states and its commitment to employing Nigerians. He acknowledged the challenges posed by delays in budgetary releases but encouraged the company to maintain momentum on ongoing projects, assuring it that government would continue to provide the necessary support.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s vast investment opportunities and reaffirmed the government's openness to partnerships that can drive economic growth and social development. Belgore also noted that China’s experience in affordable housing and urban renewal presents valuable lessons that could benefit Nigeria, expressing the Ministry’s willingness to engage in future technical discussions and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
While noting that railway development falls under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Belgore encouraged TEC Engineering to explore opportunities in the sector through PPP arrangements and other investment frameworks.
Earlier, President of China Railway International Group, Zhao Jinxiang, thanked the Federal Government for entrusting TEC Engineering with the reconstruction of covered conduits and road projects in Kano State. He assured the Ministry that the company remains committed to delivering the project despite challenges encountered at some construction sites.
Jinxiang said the visit also provided an opportunity to discuss future areas of cooperation, particularly in urban infrastructure, underground utility ducts, wastewater management and sewage treatment systems. He disclosed that TEC Engineering has executed more than 80 projects across 12 states in Nigeria and currently employs about 30 Chinese professionals and over 500 Nigerian workers.
According to him, the company has created employment opportunities for more than 10,000 people in local communities, reflecting its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s development. He described Nigeria as a key market for the company and reaffirmed its willingness to deploy its expertise and resources in support of the country’s housing, urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda.
The proposed partnership between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and TEC Engineering is expected to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing the housing deficit, improving urban infrastructure and attracting greater private sector participation in the development of sustainable communities across Nigeria.
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