Abuja: Civil engineering professionals have warned that poor road maintenance and weak infrastructure investment portend danger for the nation’s development. They gave the warning during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) on Friday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the experts, who examined infrastructure’s role in national development, urged governments to prioritize resilient infrastructure and professional standards. NICE National Chairman, Tokunbo Ajanaku, emphasized that resilient infrastructure remains fundamental to Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable national progress across all sectors. “The whole idea of NICE at 25 is to speak to the further development of Nigeria through resilient infrastructure. Without infrastructure, there can be no progress,” Ajanaku stated. He described infrastructure as the bedrock of development, stressing that roads, aviation, transportation, telecommunications, and ICT depend on quality engineering.
Ajanaku also encouraged young engineers to embrace continuous learning, diligence, and integrity, asserting that the profession is critical to Nigeria’s future growth. Keynote speaker, Luper Nyirhemba of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), identified inadequate funding as the biggest challenge confronting effective road maintenance nationwide. “The issues relating to maintenance basically revolve around funding,” Nyirhemba said, urging sustainable financing for road infrastructure. He advocated for maintenance planning to begin during project design through lifecycle costing to ensure roads remain functional throughout their intended lifespan.
Nyirhemba described civil engineering as one of society’s most impactful professions, responsible for roads, bridges, dams, water supply, housing, and healthcare infrastructure. Immediate past NICE Jos Chairman, Dr. Beedee Bott, stressed that routine maintenance is essential to preserving Nigeria’s road infrastructure and preventing costly deterioration. “We must not allow roads to deteriorate before taking action,” Bott said, noting regular maintenance improves safety, mobility, and reduces rehabilitation costs.
Former NICE Chairman, Dr. Aishatu Umar, urged governments and developers to engage qualified civil engineers and ensure professional supervision of construction projects. She underscored the importance of proper reinforcement and concrete mix for quality construction and applauded NICE’s leadership as the institution marked its silver jubilee.