NIHTE partners IRF, trains Engineers to boost Nigerian Infrastructure

By Ahiaba Douglas, Abuja 

The Nigerian Institution of Highways and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), in collaboration with the International Road Federation (IRF), has trained hundreds of Nigerian engineers to strengthen infrastructural development in Nigeria, particularly in road networks and bridges.

Those who registered for the training are from the Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Nigeria Building and Research Institute among other agencies and the private sector.

Speaking at the opening of the event in Abuja, NIHTE National Chairman, Francis Oriakhi, represented by Immediate Past Chairman, Hassan Saidu, revealed that the partnership with IRF began about a decade ago.

Since then, the collaboration has focused on training professionals in road construction, design, and asset management.

“The cardinal objective of this workshop is to ensure professional development through capacity building and to provide advocacy for our members,” Oriakhi said. “As part of this drive, our partnership with IRF has resulted in the training of about a thousand engineers — and the numbers are still growing.”

Addressing the workshop theme, “Managing Road Infrastructure Assets for Sustainability”, Oriakhi stressed the importance of asset management in highway engineering. 

He explained that the initiative is designed to enhance accessibility and affordability for engineers in both public and private sectors, while also ensuring the optimal performance of road infrastructure over its full lifecycle.

“Road asset management is a key strategic approach that enables road authorities to optimize performance through active maintenance, timely repairs, and efficient replacement activities,” he added.

President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Margaret Aina Oguntala, represented by Vice President Aluyah Dauda Okodugha, commended NIHTE for its career-building initiative. 

She emphasized that the programme will significantly improve road conditions nationwide.

“This workshop reflects a proactive approach to infrastructure development and supports good governance through engineering dialogue and leadership,” Oguntala said. “Roads are the lifeline of cities and rural communities, directly influencing trade, agriculture, education, and healthcare development.”

Responding, NIHTE National Deputy Chairman,  Bola Mudasiru, noted that the workshop’s key takeaways include understanding international standards for road construction.

Also, mastering various maintenance methods such as preventive maintenance and rehabilitation, and building the capacity to manage road projects effectively — from supervising teams and managing budgets to engaging contractors, consultants, and community members.