The Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), has inaugurated its 6th National Executive Committee, with a commitment to enhancing service delivery and upholding professional standards for improved road and bridge construction across the country.
During his inaugural speech yesterday in Abuja, the newly elected national chairman, Engr. Francis Oriakhi, emphasised his administration’s dedication to advocating for the road Bill, which seeks to establish a structured framework for the development, management, and maintenance of Nigeria’s road network.
Oriakhi highlighted key provisions of the bill, including: “The creation of the Federal Road Authority to oversee federal road management and maintenance.
“A new road classification system distinguishing federal, state, and local roads “The establishment of a Road Fund to ensure dedicated funding for road maintenance and development.”
He described the bill as a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s road infrastructure challenges and ensuring sustainable development.
The chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering professional development.
“We will promote career growth by strengthening affiliations with international bodies like the International Road Federation and other reputable training institutions,” he stated.
He emphasised monitoring and mentoring young engineers, collaborating with government agencies to enhance knowledge sharing, and bridging the skill gap in highway engineering.
Also, chairman of the Inauguration planning committee and deputy national chairman, Engr. Bola Mudasiru stressed the significance of the event’s theme: “Emerging Trends and Technologies to Drive Nigeria’s Transportation Sector.”
“This theme reflects our commitment to innovative solutions that will transform Nigeria’s transportation sector, promoting efficiency, sustainability, safety, and economic growth,” he said.
Mudasiru reiterated NIHTE’s vision to advance highway and transportation engineering, fostering excellence, innovation, and professionalism among its members.
Delivering the keynote address, Engr. Sylvester Jijingi lamented challenges such as inadequate government funding and bureaucratic bottlenecks, which hinder timely project execution and engineering activities.
Similarly, the Immediate Past National Chairman, Engr. Saidu Hassan, urged the new leadership to build upon past achievements, stressing the need for sustained engagement with the National Assembly to secure funding and legislative backing for crucial road projects.
“Our road infrastructure requires more attention. We must ensure that highway funds and the proposed Federal Road Authority become realities,” he noted.
