The Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (NAEGE) has called for greater involvement of engineering geologists in the planning and design of infrastructure projects to reduce the persistent failure of roads, buildings and other structures across Nigeria.
The National President of NAEGE, Prof. Salome Waziri, made the call on Friday in Abuja at a press briefing ahead of the association’s 11th Annual International Conference and Exhibition scheduled for 9am prompt from Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th September, 2026, at Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja.
The conference, with the theme, “Geoinformation for Sustainable Infrastructure in a Rapidly Developing Nation Like Our Own, for Smart Cities,” will bring together relevant stakeholders to discuss various issues in line with the aims and objectives of the NAEGE.
Waziri said Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation has made it imperative for government and other stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure was properly designed and built on a sound understanding of the underlying geology.
According to her, many cases of structural and road failures could be prevented if proper subsurface investigations were conducted before construction and the findings incorporated into engineering designs.
She explained that engineering geologists are trained to investigate the subsurface and determine the strength and characteristics of geological materials before structures are erected on them.
“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.
Waziri noted that roads and other infrastructure often traverse different geological formations, meaning that the strength and behaviour of the subsurface can vary significantly from one location to another.
She therefore urged civil engineers and other construction professionals to take geological findings into consideration during the design and construction of infrastructure.
She warned that failure to properly investigate the subsurface could lead to structural failures, loss of lives and destruction of property.
Beyond the foundation of structures, Waziri also stressed the importance of understanding the geological properties of construction materials, groundwater conditions and possible environmental hazards associated with geological materials.
She noted that some construction materials could contain substances that may pose health risks if their properties are not properly investigated.
The NAEGE president said the association was using its forthcoming conference to promote stronger collaboration among geologists, civil engineers, architects, builders, contractors, lawmakers, academics and other stakeholders.
She said such collaboration was essential to achieving the development of sustainable and smart cities in Nigeria.
Waziri said the conference would provide an opportunity for professionals from different fields to exchange knowledge and develop practical approaches to infrastructure development.
She urged stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the conference, saying that every professional discipline had a role to play in ensuring that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding cities were safe, sustainable and resilient.
