Epistemics in Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol. 2 , No. 1 , 2012, 55-61
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Epistemics in Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol. 2 , No.1 , 2012, 55-61
Okeola and Salami
Epistemics in Science, Engineering
and Technology
A Pragmatic Approach to the Nigeria’s Engineering Infrastructure Dilemma
O. G. Okeola and A.W. Salami
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria.
drogokeola@gmail.com
Abstract
The poor performance of public utility services in Nigeria has been a subject of considerable discussion. Nigeria is faced with the
challenge of sustenance and maintenance of inadequate infrastructure due to years of under investment and poor maintenance
culture. The paper gives an overview of status of nation’s infrastructure, the causes of it deterioration and effects on the socioeconomic, industrial development, and private sector development. The need to recognize critical infrastructure,
interdependencies, and vulnerability to cascade failures is emphasized. The paper explores best practices in the developed and
transition economies to guide in proffering pragmatic solution to the backwardness of the nation infrastructure. The paper calls
for paradigm shift from general lamentation which has become the lexicon of poor level infrastructure service to action. Continue
consolidation on PPP, declaration of state of emergency, fight against corruption, good governance, establishment of National
Infrastructures Commission, best practices emulation and engineers’ involvement in politics are recommended as a way forward.
Key words: Infrastructure, service, deterioration, economy, failure
1. Introduction
The poor performance of public utility services in Nigeria has been a subject of considerable discussion (Ariyo and
Jerome, 2004). The inadequacy and continue deterioration of Nigeria infrastructure pose acute challenges to Nigeria
leadership of African. It is of utmost importance to...