NIGERIA is missing out from the huge benefits derivable in tunnelling and underground infrastructure development, Tarcisio Celestino, the president of the International Tunnelling Association, ITA, has observed.

Tarcisio, in Nigeria to attend the 2nd International Tunnelling and Underground Space conference in Abuja, urged the federal government to embrace the technology which has proved cost-effective in other countries.

He said although Nigeria, like any other country requires huge investment to bridge its infrastructural deficits, partnership with the private sector holds the key to delivering the much needed underground infrastructure in the most populous Black nation in the world.

“With Nigeria speculated to hit third most populous nation on earth by 2050, there is no alternative to developing the underground space infrastructure in Nigeria considering the reality that the benefits far outweighs the investment,” Tarcisio said.

He noted that although Nigeria joined the International Tunnelling Association as its newest member nation in 2017 as its 74 member, the momentum the country had gained was impressive.

The conference, with the theme: “Exploring the Socioeconomic Benefits of Developing Tunnelling and Underground Space Infrastructure in Nigeria,” is expected to sensitize government officials, industry professionals and sundry stakeholders on the summit holding in Abuja.

Abidemi Agwor, president of the Tunnelling Association of Nigeria, while briefing the Senate Committee on Land Transportation, said the organisation is dedicated for the promotion and advancement of the effective use of the underground space in Nigeria.

“The Tunnelling Association of Nigeria through its three pillars of awareness creation, education and capacity development seeks to engage the government, private sector and the academia through conferences, symposia, workshops and other means.

“The association through its partnership with the international body will be exploring the opportunities for international scholarship and exchange programmes for both academia and personal development”, Agwor said.

He elaborated that TAN would explore areas in the medium term where it could partner with government and relevant stakeholders to support efforts in the quick realisation of the federal government’s Economic Recovery Growth Plan.

The Vice President, ministers and key government official are expected to attend the conference which has attracted delegates from Italy, France, United States and Russia.

– Mar. 21, 2018 @ 20:07 GMT |