More … Matters Arising: Why Nigeria should declare an infrastructure emergency

Dr. Lanre Towry-Coker, FRIBA, FNIA, MA Law (UL), Ph.D, a former commissioner for housing in Lagos State, with a doctorate from Lagos State University, is founder of Towry-Coker Associates since 1976, and a professional architect with a postgraduate qualification in Architecture from the University of North East London. He had his professional training at the world famous Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the United Kingdom (ACI.Arb.); a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA), he was elected Fellow of The Royal Institute of British Architects, (founded 1834), in November 2016, and is one of only forty architects worldwide to be so honoured. He is also the author of the book, “Housing Policy And The Dynamics Of Housing Delivery In Nigeria: Lagos State As Case Study” published by Makeway Publishers, and available on Amazon and also at The Royal Institute of British Architects, Portland Place. London.

The declaration of an infrastructure emergency by the Nigerian Federal Government could be warranted for several reasons:

Urgent Infrastructure Deficits: Nigeria faces significant deficits in various critical infrastructure sectors. Roads, power, healthcare facilities, and water systems are often inadequate, hindering economic growth and the well-being of citizens.

Economic Impact: Insufficient infrastructure impedes economic development. Improving infrastructure can stimulate economic activities, attract investments, and create job opportunities, leading to overall economic growth.

Social Development: Better infrastructure enhances living standards and public services. Adequate roads, healthcare, education, and sanitation systems improve the quality of life for citizens and promote social development.

National Security: Some elements of infrastructure, like transportation and energy, are crucial to national security. Declaring an emergency could help bolster security by upgrading and securing critical infrastructure.

Addressing Vulnerabilities: Many existing infrastructure are vulnerable to natural disasters or external threats. An emergency declaration could prompt actions to fortify and secure these assets against such risks.

Attracting Investment: A government’s declaration of an infrastructure emergency could signal a commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure. This might attract local and foreign investment in infrastructure projects.

Long-term Benefits: A focused effort on infrastructure development could lead to long-term benefits for the country, including improved productivity, enhanced competitiveness, and a better quality of life for the population.

Security issues, including police training, should be taken seriously. The pathetic situation of Nigeria’s police force leaves much to be desired, especially taking into consideration the lack of modern equipment and techniques.

Forensic analysis is often treated as a bad joke as most Nigerian police forces lack both the equipment and the expertise for conducting forensic investigations up to a level which would be expected of a modern nation state. 

By declaring an infrastructure emergency, the government signals the urgency and seriousness of addressing these deficiencies and mobilises resources, streamlines processes, and potentially bypasses bureaucratic hurdles to swiftly address the infrastructure gaps. This declaration could prioritise projects, fast-track funding, and efficiently execute plans to tackle the nation’s infrastructure challenges. 

business a.m. commits to publishing a diversity of views, opinions and comments. It, therefore, welcomes your reaction to this and any of our articles via email: comment@businessamlive.com