By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (NAEGE) has called for the integration of engineering geologists into the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects to address the recurring failure of roads, buildings and other structures in Nigeria.
The National President of the association, Prof. Salome Waziri, made the call on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of NAEGE’s 11th Annual International Conference and Exhibition.
The conference is scheduled to hold from Monday, September 14, to Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, beginning at 9am daily.
With the theme, “Geoinformation for Sustainable Infrastructure in a Rapidly Developing Nation Like Our Own, for Smart Cities,” the event is expected to bring together professionals and stakeholders to examine the role of geological information in sustainable infrastructure development.
Waziri said the rapid expansion of Nigerian cities had made it necessary for government and construction professionals to pay greater attention to the geological conditions of areas where infrastructure projects were being undertaken.
She noted that many cases of road and structural failures could be prevented through adequate subsurface investigations before construction begins.
According to her, engineering geologists possess the expertise to examine the subsurface, assess the strength and characteristics of geological materials, and provide information required for sound engineering designs.
“You need to know the strength of anybody before you place a load on that person. And so we also need to know the strength of the subsurface before you can place any load on it,” she said.
The NAEGE president explained that roads and other infrastructure often pass through different geological formations, resulting in variations in the strength and behaviour of the ground from one location to another.
She therefore urged civil engineers, architects, builders and other construction professionals to incorporate geological findings into the design and construction of infrastructure.
Waziri warned that neglecting proper subsurface investigations could expose projects to structural failure, loss of lives and destruction of property.
Beyond the foundations of buildings and other structures, Waziri emphasised the importance of investigating the geological properties of construction materials, groundwater conditions and potential environmental hazards.
She noted that some geological materials used in construction could contain substances capable of posing health risks if their properties were not properly examined.
She stressed that a comprehensive understanding of the ground and construction materials was essential to improving the safety, durability and sustainability of infrastructure.
Waziri said NAEGE was using the forthcoming conference to strengthen collaboration among geologists, civil engineers, architects, builders, contractors, lawmakers, academics and other stakeholders.
She explained that cooperation among the various professional groups would help promote the development of sustainable and smart cities in Nigeria.
According to her, the conference would provide a platform for experts to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging challenges and develop practical solutions to infrastructure development.
She urged government agencies, professionals and members of the public to participate in the event, noting that every discipline had a role to play in ensuring that Nigeria’s rapidly growing cities were safe, resilient and sustainable.