Nigeria’s collapsing highways and runways will continue draining public funds unless innovation becomes central to infrastructure policy, a U.S.-based expert has said.
Isaac Oyawoye, a concrete engineer involved in advanced research for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, urged the government to abandon outdated methods and adopt modern techniques that deliver durability and safety.
“Infrastructure built with yesterday’s methods will keep failing,” he explained. “What Nigeria needs now are performance-driven solutions that guarantee resilience, cut waste, and protect lives.”
At the core of his argument is Performance Engineered Mixtures (PEM), a technology that designs pavements based on performance outcomes rather than traditional tests such as slump or compressive strength.
By adopting PEM, Nigeria could extend the lifespan of its roads and airport runways while lowering long-term maintenance costs. “Durability should be engineered from the start, not left to chance,” Oyawoye added.
His comments come as infrastructure across the country deteriorates faster than repairs can be made. The ripple effects are clear spiralling maintenance costs, safety hazards, and reduced economic productivity.
Backed by years of international collaboration in concrete materials and pavement engineering, Oyawoye has earned recognition for translating laboratory research into real-world applications. Industry observers say his work positions him as a leading advocate for performance-based standards in Africa.
He also warned of the steep cost of inaction. “Every failed pavement is more than wasted money. It means lost productivity and added risks to human lives. If we want lasting value for the billions invested, performance-based design is the way forward.”
With Nigeria pushing to modernise its transport network, experts believe PEM could mark a turning point—delivering safer, more resilient infrastructure and saving billions lost each year to premature failures.
Punch
