Facilitate Swift Presidential Assent to Road Sector Reform Bills, NIHTE Urges Senate

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Hassan Saidu, has called on the Senate, to as a matter of urgency, facilitate the Presidential assent to the Road Sector Reform Bills with the view to addressing the existing constraints in the sector
Saidu stated this during the opening ceremony of the 2023 conference at the National Society of Engineers yesterday in Abuja.

These crucial bills, he explained, are focusing on the Federal Road Authority and National Road Fund, aimed at establishing a robust governance structure and secure funding for sustainable road development and maintenance in Nigeria.

Saidu stressed the significance of these bills in addressing the current challenges faced in road management and funding.
He also provided insights into NIHTE’s position on pavement choices, flexibility, and rigidity, adding that collaboration was essential to prevent further complications in road infrastructure.

Saidu stated: “We hereby recommend as follows: As a matter of urgency, we urge the Senate to facilitate the Presidential assent to the Road Sector Reform Bills with the view to addressing the existing constraints in the sector.

“The choice of pavement depends on the design criteria and available funds for initial construction.”
Saidu recommended the adoption of the ECOWAS harmonised axle load supplementary act, ACT/SP.17/02/12, for harmonisation of standards and procedures for the control of dimensions, weight, and axle load of goods and vehicles

He added: “We enjoin the Senate to adopt the ECOWAS harmonised axle load Supplementary Act; ACT/SP.17/02/12 relating to the harmonisation of standards and procedures for the control of dimensions, weight and axle load of goods and vehicle within member states of the Economic Community of West African States.”

The chairman, therefore, urged careful consideration in pavement selection, cautioning against abrupt changes that could lead to legal disputes and substantial losses.

With approximately 2,604 road projects totaling about 18,000 km at a cost of N14 trillion, NIHTE stressed the challenges of transitioning to rigid pavements.
He stressed the need for a careful consideration, citing the dominance of flexible pavements in global road networks and the importance of maintaining existing equipment.

The institution, however, advocated the enforcement of quality control measures outlined in design manuals, condition of contracts, and general specifications.