Expert, Bola advocates for Innovative approaches to improve road Infrastructure in Nigeria

By Aliyu Kunle, Abuja 

Nigeria’s road infrastructure is getting a much-needed revamp, with experts advocating for innovative approaches to improve the sector.

A  renowned highway expert, Bola Mudasiru, the Deputy National Chairman of the Nigeria Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE) has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s road sector, stressing that sustainability must become the cornerstone of national infrastructure development.  

Speaking at the FERMA Road Summit 2026 in Abuja, Bola emphasized that sustainable road infrastructure goes beyond annual funding allocations. “Sustainability requires a shift from conventional design, construction, and maintenance methods to climate‑resilient approaches,”

 He said. “We must adopt low‑carbon materials, leverage innovative financing, and embrace technology to deliver eco‑friendly road networks.” 

He noted that global development partners such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank are increasingly supporting projects with green focus, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action) .

According to him, issuing green bonds could attract international financing for climate‑resilient road projects and promote sustainable urban growth.  

Bola also urged the Nigerian government to enact the Roads Reform Bill describing it as a critical step toward unlocking new funding streams and strengthening institutional frameworks.

 “The bill offers numerous benefits, including easier access to financing and international support,” he said.  

The summit’s theme, “Sustainable Road Infrastructure for National Growth” underscores the call to action: Nigeria must prioritize sustainability to build resilient roads that drive commerce, connect communities, and secure the nation’s future.

Similarly, the immediate past National Chairman of NIHTE, Hassan Saidu stressed the summit is long overdue and the major issue is funding. How do we get proper funding for road maintenance because it’s key to everything. 

“The problem in Nigeria is that we leave everything until it gets bad before we start talking about maintenance. It starts from the day you start using that road. So for any road you build you start maintaining all the. Kilometers. 

He added his voice by calling  on the National Assembly to pass the roads reform bill and president  Tinubu to assent it into law as a means where the private investors can reels funds on investing in road infrastructures in the country.