by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
It has been observed that there is the need for climate-resilient transport infrastructure in Nigeria, which has never been more pressing, as the impacts of climate change continue to threaten economic stability and social well-being.
“Nigeria’s transport systems – including roads, railways, ports, and airports – are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which can disrupt mobility and economic activities.”
This was disclosed at a 3 days’ North Central Zonal Transport Conference by Prof. Ibrahim D. Choji, mni, in his keynote address.
The conference was organised by the Chattered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, with a theme: ‘Transforming Transport Infrastructure for Sustainable Economic Development of Nigeria’ held at Crispan Hotel Jos, on Wednesday.
He said, “According to the World Bank (2021), climate-related disasters could cost developing nations like Nigeria up to $1 trillion annually, by 2050, if proactive measures are not implemented.
“To mitigate these risks, it is crucial that Nigeria adopts strategies to enhance the resilience of its transport infrastructure. These include incorporating climate risk assessments into planning processes, utilizing climate-resilient materials, and leveraging nature-based solutions that enhance the natural environment, while protecting critical infrastructure,” he stated.
Prof. Choji observed that, “For instance, the integration of permeable pavements in urban areas can reduce flood risks, as earlier highlighted, demonstrating a practical application of innovative materials that adapt to climatic challenges.
“The implementation of smart technologies for monitoring infrastructure conditions is essential for timely maintenance and risk management.
“With an estimated investment of $10 billion needed by 2030 to make Nigeria’s transport systems climate-resilient, collaborative efforts between government, private sectors, and international partners are vital to mobilise resources and expertise,” he stressed.
“As Nigeria confronts these multifaceted challenges, prioritising climate resilience in transport infrastructure will not only safeguard economic interests but also contribute to sustainable development goals, ensuring a secure and efficient transport network for future generations,” he disclosed.
Prof. Choji called on the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to establish a Research and Development (R&D) Fund by the second quarter of 2026, and focus on developing and testing climate-resilient materials and technologies for transport infrastructure.
He said, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) should collaborate with international organizations and private sector companies to develop and promote the use of climate-resilient materials, such as heat-resistant asphalt and permeable concrete, by third quarter of 2026.
In addition, he said, the Federal Government of Nigeria should offer incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, to companies that invest in the production and use of climate-resilient materials and technologies for transport infrastructure, with a target of 50%.
“The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing should establish a Climate Risk Assessment Unit by the third quarter of 2026, responsible for conducting climate risk assessments for all transport infrastructure projects.
“While the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) should collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to develop a climate risk assessment framework for transport infrastructure, incorporating climate projections and scenario planning by the fourth quarter of 2026.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria to require all transport infrastructure projects to undergo climate risk assessments and incorporate climate-resilient design principles, with a target of 100% compliance by the fourth quarter of 2026.
“Also, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing should establish a Climate Resilience Unit responsible for building capacity and providing technical support to State and Local Governments on climate-resilient transport infrastructure, by second quarter 2026,” he stated.
He also called on the Nigerian Climate Change Council to collaborate with international organizations and private sector companies to provide training and technical assistance to transport infrastructure Planners, Engineers, and Policymakers on climate-resilient design and construction, with a target of training 1,000 personnel by the third quarter of 2026.
Prof Ibrahim D. Choji further urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework for climate-resilient transport infrastructure development, with a target of securing at least $500 million in private sector investment by third quarter of 2026.
According to him, “The Federal Ministry of Transportation, in partnership with the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), should commission climate risk mapping of all major rivers and waterways by first quarter 2026. NIWA to enforce compliance by requiring all new inland waterways projects from, 2027, to adopt the approved standards.
“While the Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with NIWA, to restore at least 1,000 hectares of mangroves and wetlands in flood-prone inland waterways corridors by 2028, and State Governments along the Niger and Benue Rivers to incentivize local communities through cash-for-work schemes to plant bamboo and vetiver grass, as erosion control barriers, by 2027.
“NIWA and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to establish riverbank biodiversity monitoring hubs by the year 2026 to evaluate ecosystem health.
He also advises the Federal Ministry of Transportation, in conjunction with the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), to carry out flood and climate risk surveys of all major rivers by the first quarter of 2026. NIWA to make it compulsory for all new Inland Waterways projects, from 2027, to follow these approved standards.
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and NIWA are urged to install water-level sensors, GPS markers, and smart river gauges along the Niger, Benue, and Cross River by the second quarter of 2026.
“NIWA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to develop a mobile app for early warnings on Inland Waterways by the third quarter of 2026. Ferry operators and community cooperatives to be trained every year, starting 2026, on how to use these digital gadgets.
“While the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in partnership with NBRRI, should develop and test indigenous soil stabilisers (e.g., laterite-lime blends, palm-kernel ash cement) for use in rail embankments by second quarter 2026.
“Local cooperatives in quarrying and bamboo cultivation to be contracted for supply of indigenous materials for erosion control and sleeper reinforcement by third quarter 2026. Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to certify tested indigenous materials for formal adoption into rail construction codes by fourth quarter 2026.”
He further noted that, “NRC, in conjunction with State Governments, should form Community Rail Corridor Protection Committees (CR-CPCs) composed of traditional rulers, youth associations, and women cooperatives along major corridors by first quarter 2026. Each CR-CPC to receive stipends and tools (e.g., sandbags, shovels, seedlings) for rapid response during floods or washouts, by second quarter 2026.
“The Federal Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), NiMet, and NASRDA, are to install simple sensors and gauges along the Abuja–Kaduna, Lagos–Ibadan, and Warri–Itakpe rail lines by the third quarter of 2026.
“While NRC should open a 24-hour Rail Resilience Control Centre that receives updates from these sensors and issue early warnings and speed limits during extreme heat or heavy rain, by the fourth quarter of 2026.
“The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), in collaboration with selected universities and NRC, to create a long-term rail model using climate forecasts to guide repairs and future upgrades by the second quarter of 2027,” he stated.