NBRRI is the foremost agency that is set to renew the hope of every Nigerian with the giant strides it is taking in delivery its mandate in the construction sector to the general public”. This was coiled out from the statements by the Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffery Nnaji accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. James Sule on Thursday 23rd November 2023 at NBRRI’s Administrative Head Office in Abuja during a triple function by the institute.
The institute was filled with dignitaries at the triple occasions of ‘Nigeria Bridge Summit 2023’, with the theme “The Future of Nigerian Bridges: Innovation and Sustainable Design”. The inauguration of the institute’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was done and the presentation of a book authored by Engr. Prof. Danladi Slim Matawal also took place within the occasion.
While performing these triple functions of declaring the summit open, inaugurating the Technical Advisory Committee and the presentation of the book, Chief Uche Nnaji applauded the great achievements NBRRI has achieved so far which has contributed immensely to the positive publicity the Ministry is accorded to in the Nation.
He stated that the templates handed over to him that spoke about the great wonders of NBRRI is just an empty drum as he earlier imagined but rather, just it’s a tip of the iceberg because NBRRI is a home for creativity and innovation. He encouraged the institute not to relent in making the ministry proud and the country at large.
At the end of showering of accolades on NBRRI by various dignitaries, the DG/CEO Engr. Prof. Samson Duna presented the lead paper with the title “NBRRI Interventions on Nigerian Bridges”. While presenting the paper, Prof. Duna gave an over view of the many interventions and ongoing research work NBRRI has carried out and still carrying out in areas of addressing and investigating bridge collapse and its integrity in the country. He also in his paper stated the research findings of the causes of bridge collapse in the country which he stated that 80% of these causes are attributed to human factors such as poor design process, poor construction, lack of regular maintenance, human activities under and around the bridge, etc.
Other papers presented during the summit include:
1. “Sustainability in Design, Construction and Maintenance of Civil Infrastructure” by Prof. O. S. Abejide.
2. “Unified Design Approach of a Long-Span Bridge Laminated Wooden Beam with Leverage of Strength and Aesthetics” by Prof. Adedeji Abdullateef.
3. “An Overview of Notable Bridges and Evaluation of Existing Policies to Enhance Bridge Infrastructure in Nigeria” by Engr. U. B. Ekong
4. “The Use of Specialized Hardware and Software Solution to Monitor Structural Health of Bridges in Nigeria” by Mr. Arthur Ibukunoluwa Arokhamoni