Stakeholders from the organised private sector (OPS), the construction and real estate industries have called for the concession and partial privatisation of road construction and management across the country, amid Nigeria’s widening infrastructure deficit and declining fiscal capacity.
They said the move would ease the government’s financial burden, fast-track project delivery, and improve the quality and sustainability of national road networks.
Speaking at a recent policy dialogue on infrastructure financing and real estate development, the stakeholders unanimously argued that Nigeria’s road infrastructure crisis would persist unless the government embraces private sector-led concessioning models backed by strict regulatory control and transparency.
They stressed that with well-structured concession agreements, the arrangement could become a win-win solution that delivers durable, safer, and more efficient roads while freeing the government to focus on regulatory oversight rather than direct project execution.
According to them, a public-private partnership (PPP) model, where private companies lease, manage, or operate roads on the government’s behalf, can reshape the country’s infrastructure landscape. It would also deepen corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, create new jobs, attract foreign investment, and enhance competitiveness in the construction sector.
The chairman of the Association of Capital Market Valuers (ACMV), Chudi Ubosi, underscored the inefficiency of Nigeria’s current approach to infrastructure development, which he described as ‘budget-driven and politically trapped.’
He noted that most road infrastructure projects were typically delayed by bureaucratic bottlenecks tied to annual budgetary allocations, National Assembly approval processes, and political interference.
“Many federal road projects spend months, sometimes years, being debated in committee meetings before funds are appropriated. By the time funds are released, inflation and currency depreciation would have eroded project value,” Ubosi said.
He added that transferring road construction and management to credible private sector players would eliminate these bureaucratic delays. ‘The private sector operates with speed, efficiency, and accountability. When profit and reputation are on the line, delivery becomes a priority,’ he said.
Ubosi also pointed out that private participation could encourage innovation and modern engineering solutions, enabling roads to be built and maintained to international standards.
He added that with the government shifting its focus to regulatory oversight, it can safeguard public interest through transparent concession agreements, while the private sector ensures cost-effective delivery and long-term maintenance. Beyond the infrastructural benefits, stakeholders say the economic ripple effects of such privatisation would be immense.
Ubosi emphasised that private companies must rely on local talent to execute and maintain projects, creating employment opportunities and up-skilling Nigeria’s construction workforce.
He said this could lead to a more skilled labour force and stimulate growth in related industries, from materials manufacturing to logistics and real estate.
He further noted that the PPP approach aligns with Nigeria’s economic diversification goals, as it encourages the inflow of private capital into non-oil sectors. “This is not just about roads. It’s about positioning Nigeria as a construction and engineering hub in West Africa.”
The managing director of Hi-Tech Construction Company, Danny Abboud, described the proposed privatisation of road construction as a ‘milestone achievement’ that could fundamentally transform Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
He said, “If implemented correctly, privatisation and concessioning will relieve the government of huge financial responsibilities and redirect limited public funds to critical sectors like education, health, and security.”
Abboud noted that private investors have both the resources and the technical expertise to deliver durable roads that meet global standards. “Private sector involvement will ensure roads are not just constructed, but properly maintained. This will drive tourism, boost investment, and improve connectivity across economic corridors,” he said.
He added that improved roads would facilitate trade, enhance the movement of goods, reduce transport costs, and encourage foreign direct investment (FDI). Abboud, however, urged private players to prioritise quality, transparency, and adherence to global best practices. Quality delivery should be non-negotiable. The Nigerian road user deserves value for money,’ he said.
Stakeholders from the organised private sector emphasised that while private involvement is essential, the government’s role should shift to strong regulation and policy direction.
They called for the creation of an independent regulatory agency to oversee concession agreements, monitor compliance, and ensure that user fees or toll systems are fair, transparent, and tied to performance benchmarks.
According to them, proper oversight will prevent exploitation and ensure that concessioned roads remain accessible and affordable for Nigerians. The OPS noted that, concessioning should not be viewed as a total relinquishment of responsibility by the government, but as a strategic partnership that combines public accountability with private efficiency.
‘Government must set the rules of engagement, define measurable performance indicators, and establish clear mechanisms for public feedback and contract review’ one participant noted.
While discussing the readiness of Nigeria’s construction industry for large-scale privatisation, immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos Chapter, Gbenga Ismail, raised concerns about the rising menace of quackery in the built environment.
He lamented that unqualified practitioners continue to infiltrate the industry, leading to substandard construction, road failures, and frequent accidents. “Every professional body in the built environment is guilty of allowing quackery to thrive. This has resulted in poorly constructed roads and recurring infrastructure collapse,” Ismail said. He called for stricter regulation and disciplinary action against fake professionals, emphasising that the fight against quackery must be holistic and sustained.
“To reduce the incidence of poor-quality roads, we must empower professional bodies to enforce standards, sanction offenders, and ensure only qualified experts are allowed to handle projects,” he said. Ismail also urged practitioners to embrace digital tools, modern construction technologies, and continuous learning to stay competitive in a fast-evolving global industry. “The world is moving fast, from AI-driven design to green construction. Nigerian professionals must catch up if we hope to compete and deliver value under a privatised model,” he added.
Concluding the session, Ubosi reiterated that the success of road concessions in Nigeria will depend on transparency, fair competition, and sustainable frameworks that prioritise both investor confidence and public welfare. He called for open bidding processes, public disclosure of contract details, and regular performance audits.
“A well-structured concession agreement will not only deliver roads but will also build public trust. The government must ensure that this process does not become another avenue for political patronage,” he said.
He stressed that environmental and social impact assessments must also be made mandatory for all concessioned projects to ensure sustainability and compliance with global standards.
