Nigeria requires an estimated $3 trillion in investment to meet the infrastructure needs of its expanding population of over 200 million people, according to Engr. Bola Mudashiru, Deputy National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE).
Mudashiru made this disclosure while speaking at a mentorship and scholarship programme jointly organized by NIHTE and the Civil Engineering Department of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
He revealed that the nation’s construction industry, with a market size estimated between $26.9 billion and $40.3 billion, contributes approximately 9% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, he pointed out that the country’s infrastructure stock stands at just 30% of GDP, exposing significant infrastructure gaps.
“The government at all levels is making efforts through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives to boost infrastructure development,” Mudashiru stated. He also encouraged budding engineers to bridge experience gaps, participate in field competitions, and overcome geographic limitations to succeed professionally.
He emphasized civil engineering’s crucial role in advancing human civilization and urged students to evaluate their skills and interests, connect with industry professionals, and consider long-term job prospects and salary potentials.
Declaring the event open, Prof. T.O. Chime, Dean of the Faculty, praised civil engineering as a noble profession with immense potential and lauded NIHTE’s commitment to mentoring the next generation. He pledged to relay the Institution’s efforts to the university’s Vice Chancellor.
Dr. Celestine Odenigbo, Head of the Civil Engineering Department at ESUT, acknowledged NIHTE’s contributions to improving road infrastructure and welcomed further collaboration.
Prof. C.C. Ike, a foundation engineering expert and former department head, emphasized the need for stronger partnerships with NIHTE to enhance the Highway and Traffic division of the civil engineering curriculum, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Engr. Achi Chigozie, Chairman of NIHTE’s Enugu Chapter, advised students to pursue academic and professional excellence while upholding the values of the profession and contributing to national development.
The mentorship programme aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry and inspire the next generation of civil engineers in Nigeria.
