Road infrastructure backbone of Nigeria’s economic development – Minister

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Nnaji has described road infrastructure as the backbone of Nigeria’s economic development.

Nnaji made the statement at the international workshop on “Global Trends in Design and Construction for Durable Road Pavements” organised by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, NBRRI.

“Road infrastructure is the backbone of our nation’s economic development, facilitating trade, connectivity, and access to essential services. The design and construction of durable road pavements are therefore of paramount importance.

“It is equally important that experts come up with innovative ideas to mitigate some negative environmental impacts of road construction, including waste disposal dumping, dust pollution, soil erosion, etc. There is a need to fashion ways of curtailing and, if possible, eliminating project delays, which is one of the most recurring problems in road construction.

“This workshop brings together leading experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from around the world to share insights and best practices. This exchange of knowledge is crucial for the advancement of our road construction and maintenance techniques,” the minister said.

He, therefore, urged all participants to take full advantage of the unique opportunity to learn, share, and collaborate.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, assured the support of the National Assembly.

Earlier in his speech, the Director General of NBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna, thanked the minister for his contributions to the development of science and technology.