The National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers and her entourage comprising Engr. Dr. Tanko Jang, Engr. Abdulkareem Hameed Olayinka, Engr. Dominic O. Akuboh, Nasiru Lawal and Hajiya Zainab Abdullahi Parmapaid a scheduled courtesy call on the Managing Director, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
In line with existing protocols, both teams were introduced and the National Chairman stated the purpose of the visit to include familiarization, to explore areas of mutually beneficial professional collaborations, giant strides and achievement of NICE as well as brief of quest for a permanent NICE National Secretariat.
She then presented her speech and further mentioned NICE International Collaborations, the need to maintain the quality of work especially on the railways and sought opportunities for young engineers. She presented souvenirs and award plaque to the managing Director in recognition of their contribution to infrastructural development in Nigeria and the Civil Engineering profession in general.
She charged CCECC to facilitate MOUs with Civil Engineering Professional bodies in China and prayed for better relationship and a prosperous future for Nigeria and China.
In response, the representative of the Managing Director, Engr. Jacques Liao who is the Deputy Managing Director expressed his appreciation to the Institution for the visit and award. He took time to explain that CCECC has it’s Head Quarters in China and has been in Nigeria for 24 years. He stated that they first started operation in Lagos and moved to Abuja in 1996.
He further mentioned that CCECC is present in 20 states in Nigeria and have executed and currently undertaking several projects including Railway Construction from Lagos to Ibadan, Ibadan to Kano which is expected to commence in 2021, delivery of more coaches for the Abuja Rail Mass Transit expected in 2021, Construction of Bank of Industry Buildings in Abuja, New Airport Terminals in Abuja, Port Harcourt amongst others. He also mentioned that CCECC has sponsored graduate for further studies and students on exchange programmes in China.
Out of the about 150 students about 30 returned last month. He emphasised the need for practical study in Engineering and charged NICE to help recommend competent Engineers to work on their numerous projects that will commence after the COVID 19 pandemic restrictions have subsided.
The National Chairman urged CCECC to extend the gesture of their corporate social responsibility to NICE and vote of thanks was delivered by the Executive Secretary, Engr. Dominic O. Akuboh at about 11:47AM. Souvenirs were presented by CCECC and group photographs taken.