Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called on African governments and engineers to prioritise climate-resilient infrastructure as the continent prepares for rapid population growth.
Momoh made the call in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he addressed the 27th Convention and International Infrastructure Conference of the Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers.
As Africa looks towards 2050, the continent’s infrastructure needs are expected to grow alongside its population and economies.
But Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, says the focus must go beyond the number of roads, bridges and other projects being delivered.
He wants governments and engineers to pay greater attention to durability, accessibility, maintenance and the ability of infrastructure to withstand climate-related shocks.
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Momoh cited Nigeria’s diverse geographical conditions, from the wetlands and unstable soils of the Niger Delta to the arid northern regions.
He says flooding, erosion, drought and rising temperatures are already challenging traditional approaches to the design of roads, bridges, water systems and other public infrastructure.
On regional development, Momoh said Nigeria was working to improve project planning and monitoring while ensuring that projects undertaken by development commissions align with national priorities and avoid duplication.
He also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Ethiopia and other African countries through joint research, academic exchanges and collaboration among engineering professionals.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
