CIOTA advocates privatisation of Nigerian roads

The president of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), Dr. Segun Ochuko Obayendo, has advocated for the privatisation of Nigerian road construction as a means of ensuring proper maintenance and construction of new roads across the country.

Addressing newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, ahead of the North Central Zonal Transport Conference tagged “Jos 2025” with the theme “Transforming Transport Infrastructure for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” Dr Obatendo emphasised the urgent need for private sector involvement to revitalise Nigeria’s deteriorating road infrastructure.

ALSO READ: Father of suspected kidnapper, others killed in Kwara market clash

According to him, the state of our roads today is bad; while the government is trying its best, annual budget allocation is insufficient to address the growing needs of road construction and maintenance. We as professionals are not happy with this situation.

“If I have my way, I will privatize all the roads. We are happy with what the government is doing about 12 highways that have been concessioned and given out to private operators. From Abuja to Markudi, the road is privately done, and you hardly see any potholes on that road. That is what we need to do as a country to maintain our roads.

“But it is worrisome that the Abuja to Lokoja road has been under permanent construction for a long time due to many reasons. As the contractors are finishing one phase and moving to another before they finish the current one, the previous phase has started to be damaged I think the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) has to come in in this regard.”

He explained that apart from other minor factors, overloading of trucks has equally been identified as one of the major reasons for damaging roads, adding that NATO needs to come in by ensuring that their drivers comply with the specified standard.

“The cause of the early damage of roads is totally not the fault of materials used. When a road is abused, no matter how solid it is, it will get damaged in time. Some vehicles are designed to carry 20 liters of fuel, but the owners and drivers might expand such to 30 liters, the same with cement. So all these unwholesome practices need to stop to protect our roads.”

On the causes of road accidents, Dr. Obayendo said most of the drivers are not properly trained in both theory and practice, adding that if drivers are properly tested before they are issued licenses, accidents in the country will reduce drastically.

“Most of our drivers are not duly certified, hence why they cannot compete with their counterparts in other climes. The narratives have to change. Intending drivers should be tested both theoretically and practically before sending their names for capturing and issuance of license. If we can do this, we will get it right.”

At the forthcoming North Central Zone Conference being hosted in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, Dr. Obayendo said they are bringing together government functionaries, private sector players, development partners, academics, and innovators to address some central questions relating to the transportation system in the country.