Nigeria Needs \$3 Trillion to Bridge Infrastructure Gap — NIHTE Deputy Chairman

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Nigeria requires an estimated \$3 trillion in investment to adequately meet its infrastructure demands and sustain the needs of its over 200 million citizens, according to the Deputy National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Engr. Dr. Bola Mudasiru.

Dr. Mudasiru made the disclosure while addressing participants at a mentorship and scholarship program jointly organized by NIHTE and the Civil Engineering Department of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). The event, held on campus, brought together engineering scholars, students, and professionals to promote capacity building and academic excellence in the civil engineering field.

“Nigeria’s infrastructure stock is currently estimated at just 30 percent of our GDP, which underscores a severe infrastructure deficit,” Dr. Mudasiru stated. “To close this gap, an investment of around \$3 trillion is urgently needed. The construction industry alone contributes up to 9% of our GDP, with a market size estimated between \$26.9 billion and \$40.3 billion.”

He added that bridging the country’s widening infrastructure gap would require not just government commitment but sustained collaboration with the private sector. He cited Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a viable strategy the government is leveraging to drive infrastructural development across the country.

“The government at all levels has shown commitment through PPP incentives, but more needs to be done. Our engineers must bridge experience gaps, engage in field competitions, and overcome regional limitations. The role of civil engineers in shaping human civilization cannot be overstated,” he added.

In his address, Dr. Mudasiru advised aspiring engineers to focus on practical skills development, professional networking, and career planning. “Students should continuously assess their skills, seek mentorship, evaluate job prospects, and consider potential career earnings,” he said.

Declaring the program open, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. T.O. Chime, described civil engineering as a noble discipline with transformative potential. He commended NIHTE’s initiative, describing it as a strategic intervention that not only supports academic growth but also strengthens industry-academia relationships.

“We appreciate this collaborative effort. The mentorship and scholarship initiative will have a lasting impact on our students and faculty. I will personally brief the Vice Chancellor about NIHTE’s laudable intervention,” Prof. Chime said.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Engr. Dr. Celestine Odenigbo, praised NIHTE’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development. “NIHTE has been instrumental in advancing road infrastructure across the country. We are deeply grateful and hopeful for future collaboration,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. C.C. Ike, a pioneer in foundation engineering and former Head of Department, called for deeper synergy between academia and the engineering industry. “Strategic partnerships like this can enrich our Highway and Traffic Engineering program, especially at the graduate and postgraduate levels,” he remarked.

The Enugu Chapter Chairman of NIHTE, Engr. Achi Chigozie, urged students to uphold the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence. “You are the future of this profession. Strive for academic and professional excellence and remain worthy ambassadors of this institution and the engineering field at large,” he charged.

A key highlight of the event was the award of scholarships to select students, an initiative designed to encourage outstanding performance and ease the financial burden of engineering education.

The mentorship and scholarship program is part of NIHTE’s broader mission to nurture the next generation of civil engineers by fostering academic excellence, professional development, and sustainable industry engagement.