Japan offers to train Nigerian engineers in road rehabilitation

The Japanese government through its Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is to support the Federal Government in training Nigerian engineers on road rehabilitation.

The Advisor of Operation for Supporting Japanese Small and Medium Enterprises Division, JICA, Mr Eiji Kubo, said this in Abuja on Monday when a delegation from the agency visited the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen.

He said JICA was ready to involve more than 20 Nigerian engineers in a pioneer training, which   expected to commence in the second quarter of 2014.

“The training will give the engineers more knowledge about the use of modern technologies, such as the introduction of non-destructive testing method for road construction.

“Our main goal is to establish basic database on the condition of incidental concrete structures on roads in Abuja, using data obtained by concrete tester so that the recipient government can conduct systematic management for civil engineering structure in the future,'' Kubo said.

He also pledged the agency's support in other sectors of the Nigerian economy if given the opportunity.

In his remark, the minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, restated the government's continued support for organisations willing to enhance programmes in road development.

“As part of government's transformation agenda for the road sector, we are willing to key into more reform programmes both locally and internationally,'' he said.