Nigeria's Infrastructure: Focus on Asset Restoration

The article by David Ugwunta addresses the critical state of Nigeria's infrastructure governance, emphasizing the need for asset restoration and value recovery. It highlights the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as a key player in addressing chronic maintenance issues.

NASENI's intervention led to the restoration of 1,000 tractors, saving billions of naira and revitalizing agricultural productivity in Borno State. The article argues that Nigeria has historically struggled to maintain existing assets, resulting in significant economic losses and diminished public trust.

It advocates for a shift in focus from building new facilities to refurbishing and maintaining existing infrastructure, which could yield substantial returns in food security and job creation. The proposed asset restoration program aims to ensure that every sector, including health and education, adopts a restoration-first approach, thereby improving service delivery and reducing costs.