Infrastructure Expert Urges Nigerian Government to Embrace Innovation for Lasting Roads and Runways

Infrastructure specialist Isaac Oyawoye has called on the Federal Government to make massive investments in innovation to tackle Nigeria’s worsening roads and airport runways. Speaking to The PUNCH, the U.S.–based concrete engineer said prioritising modern technology and research-driven solutions is the key to building safer, longer-lasting infrastructure across the country.

Nigeria faces a critical infrastructure crisis, with highways, bridges, and airport runways deteriorating faster than they can be repaired or replaced. According to Oyawoye, these failures cost the nation billions of naira each year in repairs, lost productivity, and safety risks, threatening economic growth and public welfare.

He emphasised the need to shift from outdated construction methods to performance-based specifications, a model already gaining traction globally. Oyawoye cited Performance Engineered Mixtures (PEM) as a cutting-edge solution for pavements and runways, which can improve durability, cut waste, and guarantee better performance under heavy stress.

With extensive experience in concrete materials and pavement engineering, Oyawoye has collaborated with international partners to turn advanced research into practical, on-site solutions. Industry peers describe him as a leading voice in performance-based concrete design who bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world application.

Oyawoye warned that failure to innovate would continue to drain Nigeria’s resources. “If we want lasting value for the billions spent on infrastructure, performance-based design is the way forward,” he said, adding that PEM offers Nigeria a clear path to safer, cost-effective, and more resilient infrastructure for roads, airports, and beyond.

source: punch