A process engineer at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Juwon Olowonigba, has urged the Nigerian government to shift from its long-standing reliance on bitumen roads and adopt concrete road infrastructure as a more durable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for national development.

Olowonigba, who works with the materials processing division at Dangote Cement, said Nigeria already possesses the industrial capacity, technical expertise, and natural resources to support a full transition to concrete roads across the country.

Olowonigba said, “From my years at Dangote Cement, I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense potential of Nigeria’s cement industry. We produce millions of tonnes annually—more than enough to drive a nationwide shift toward concrete roads if the political will exists.”

He explained that bitumen roads, although cheaper upfront, deteriorate quickly under Nigeria’s tropical climate and inadequate drainage systems, leading to higher long-term costs. “The truth is that asphalt roads in Nigeria begin to fall apart within a few rainy seasons. Concrete roads, on the other hand, can last 30 to 40 years with minimal maintenance,” he noted.

Olowonigba, a graduate of Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, joined Dangote Cement Plc in 2018 and has since gained extensive experience in cement production, process optimization, and infrastructure-related materials. His position places him at the center of Nigeria’s cement manufacturing operations.

“Our plants are operating at world-class standards. We have no business relying on imported bitumen when our local cement and aggregates can provide a stronger, longer-lasting solution,” he said. According to him, Nigeria’s abundant deposits of limestone, clay, and gypsum have already been industrialized through the cement sector.

He also highlighted the economic multiplier effect of switching to concrete roads, noting that it would boost local industries, reduce import dependency, and create jobs across multiple sectors. “A national concrete road strategy would empower local businesses—from quarry operators to construction firms—and stimulate rural economies,” he said.

Reflecting on current infrastructure challenges, Olowonigba expressed concern over the slow adoption of concrete despite its benefits. “At Dangote, we’ve seen what is possible. We have the materials, the manpower, and the technology. What we need now is for the government to align its policies with industry realities,” he added.

He pointed to global case studies from India, the United States, and Germany, where concrete roads are now standard in flood-prone and industrial areas. “Concrete roads are not a theoretical solution—they are proven to work. If countries facing similar environmental conditions have made the switch, so can Nigeria,” he said.

As the debate around road infrastructure intensifies across the country, Olowonigba’s voice adds technical weight to growing calls for a national policy overhaul. With his experience inside Nigeria’s largest cement production facility, his message is clear: the solution to Nigeria’s failing roads is right beneath its feet.