In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a noticeable shift in the materials and methods employed in road construction, with cement technology gaining traction as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt. This trend is driven by the need for more durable road infrastructure, especially in areas prone to heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and high maintenance costs.
Cement technology, also known as rigid pavement or concrete road construction, involves the use of Portland cement to produce a long-lasting surface. Unlike asphalt, which is flexible and prone to rutting and potholes, concrete offers superior strength, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to water damage, making it ideal for Nigeria’s challenging terrain.
The growing interest in cement-based road construction is being spearheaded by both public and private sector players. Leading the charge is Dangote Industries Limited, which has significantly invested in concrete road projects as part of its broader infrastructure development strategy. The company has become a vocal advocate for cement roads, citing their long-term economic and environmental benefits.
One of the most prominent examples of this shift is the 43-kilometre Obajana–Kabba Road in Kogi State. Constructed by Dangote Group, the road links the Obajana Cement Plant—the largest in Africa—to Kabba town. This project, completed using full-depth concrete pavement, has proven its durability and resilience under heavy industrial traffic.
Similarly, in Ogun State, the Itori–Ibese Road was reconstructed using cement by Dangote Cement to support logistics to its Ibese Cement Plant. The project not only enhanced transportation efficiency but also demonstrated the robustness of concrete roads in industrial corridors.
The Apapa–Wharf Road in Lagos is another high-profile example. Previously in a state of severe disrepair, this critical port access route was rehabilitated using concrete technology through a partnership between Dangote Group, Flour Mills of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The 1.5km stretch now facilitates smoother cargo movement and has reduced the frequency of road maintenance in the port area.
Concrete roads are gaining attention not just for their durability but also for their cost-effectiveness over time. While the initial construction cost may be higher than asphalt, concrete roads require significantly less maintenance and have a lifespan that can exceed 30 years, thereby reducing long-term expenditure.
The Federal Ministry of Works has started incorporating concrete pavement into some of its pilot projects, including selected stretches of the Zaria–Pambegua Road in the Kaduna–Kano axis. These trials are being monitored to assess scalability and effectiveness for broader adoption across the country.
In Lagos State, the government is considering the use of concrete technology for roads in flood-prone areas such as Itokin–Epe, where asphalt surfaces deteriorate rapidly due to water damage. The adoption of rigid pavement here is seen as a preventive measure against the constant repair of eroded roads.
Additionally, township roads in Lokoja and access roads within free trade zones, such as the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, are increasingly being built with concrete. These roads are designed to withstand the stress of industrial activities and provide long-term access to economic hubs.
Cement technology is also being utilized in internal road networks within major cement plants, such as BUA Cement’s facilities in Sokoto and Dangote’s Gboko Plant. These roads are built to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles and provide a model for similar applications across Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
The National Assembly has also deliberated on the benefits of cement roads, with some lawmakers urging the government to prioritize them in national infrastructure projects. Advocates argue that using local cement reduces the country’s dependence on imported bitumen while boosting the economy through increased demand for Nigerian cement.
From a sustainability standpoint, cement roads offer environmental advantages. They reflect more light, reducing energy consumption for street lighting, and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle compared to asphalt roads, which are petroleum-based.
Experts have also noted the potential of cement roads to improve safety. Their rigid structure reduces the formation of ruts and potholes, thereby decreasing accident risks and improving overall driving conditions.
Furthermore, the construction of concrete roads has provided numerous job opportunities for Nigerian youths, including engineers, masons, machine operators, and labourers. The technology also encourages skill development in modern road construction techniques.
The success of initiatives such as the iHatch program, co-designed by NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), also complements the infrastructure drive. By nurturing startups focused on infrastructure technology, such programs could spur innovation in construction and materials science, including advancements in cement road applications.
Despite the benefits, challenges remain. These include the need for specialized equipment, higher upfront costs, and the limited number of local contractors with expertise in concrete road construction. However, capacity-building programs and public-private partnerships are gradually addressing these gaps.
The role of regulatory bodies such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is critical in setting and enforcing standards for cement roads. Their involvement ensures quality assurance and uniformity across projects.
Financial institutions are also beginning to show interest. With the growing success of existing concrete roads, banks and development finance institutions are more willing to support projects that incorporate cement technology due to their proven long-term returns.
To further institutionalize the practice, stakeholders have called for a national policy on cement roads, which would mandate their use in specific contexts, such as federal highways, industrial zones, and flood-prone regions.
The academic and research community has also joined the conversation, with institutions like the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) conducting studies to optimize cement formulations suitable for various Nigerian climates and soil types.
With Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit still vast, the adoption of durable and cost-effective solutions is imperative. Cement technology in road construction presents a practical pathway to bridge this gap while promoting local industry and environmental sustainability.
As more states and federal agencies embrace this approach, it is expected that concrete roads will become a standard feature of Nigeria’s road network, especially in high-traffic and economically strategic corridors.
The rising adoption of cement technology in Nigeria’s road construction is not just a technological shift but a strategic national development choice. It reflects a commitment to durability, economic efficiency, local content, and sustainable growth. If sustained, this transition could revolutionize the country’s road infrastructure and set a precedent for other African nations to follow.