How Efe Jessa is transforming soil stabilisation with sustainable engineering solutions

Across the world, the demand for sustainable infrastructure is rising, but few engineers have made as profound an impact in this area as Efe Jessa.

A civil engineer with a vision for cost-effective and environmentally friendly construction, Jessa has pioneered a bio-enzyme soil stabilization method that is reshaping the way foundations are prepared for roads, buildings, and other critical infrastructure.

Traditionally, construction projects rely on cement and lime-based soil stabilization, which, while effective, contribute significantly to carbon emissions and high material costs. Recognizing the need for an alternative, Jessa developed a bio-enzyme stabilization method that enhances soil strength naturally, reduces water permeability, and eliminates the need for resource-heavy additives​.

Unlike conventional approaches, bio-enzymes work by altering the chemical composition of the soil at a microscopic level, strengthening it over time without the need for excessive material input. This technique offers multiple benefits such as significant cost savings due to reduced reliance on imported or expensive stabilizing agents; lower environmental impact, as bio-enzymes eliminate the emissions linked to cement and lime production; increased durability and reduced maintenance costs, making it an ideal solution for both urban and rural infrastructure projects​.

Jessa’s work has been particularly impactful in regions where unstable soils have historically posed major challenges to construction, offering a new, scalable solution for long-term infrastructure resilience.

Jessa’s journey as an innovator in sustainable engineering began at Delta State University, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering in 2017. It was during his final year that he conducted research into bio-enzyme stabilization, exploring its potential as an alternative to traditional methods. His findings provided the foundation for what has now become a widely recognized solution in construction and geotechnical engineering​.

Jessa’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, the Delta State Ministry of Works honored him with a Certificate of Excellence, recognizing his contributions to infrastructure sustainability and innovation​. Since then, his bio-enzyme stabilization technique has been adopted by construction firms and research institutions, influencing new best practices in soil stabilisation.

His work has been cited in multiple engineering studies and industry reports, demonstrating that his research has far-reaching applications beyond Nigeria. As the need for sustainable construction grows, Jessa’s contributions continue to shape the conversation around affordable and environmentally responsible infrastructure​

As governments and private sectors seek more resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable construction techniques, Jessa’s bio-enzyme stabilization technology is proving to be a vital innovation. With further research and continued implementation, his method could redefine global standards for soil treatment, reducing environmental impact while ensuring infrastructure durability for future generations.