- Tunnelling and underground technology will result in better implementation of energy projects in Nigeria and Africa.
- The Tunnelling Association outlined the possibilities for the free trade flow and addressing environmental concerns through the initiative.
Experts have called on Nigeria and other African nations to adopt tunnelling and underground space development to develop energy and other related sectors. The indigenous and foreign experts stated this at the 4th Nigeria Tunnelling and Underground Space Conference in Lagos. According to them, tunnelling and underground space development will result in better planning and implementation of energy and other projects, including oil and gas pipelines and dams in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
The minister of works, David Umahi, represented by the Director of Highway Development, Umah Bakare, said, “There is no doubt that tunnelling and underground space areas are new in Nigeria and will be very useful. With more than 20 million people in Lagos, tunnelling and underground space development will enhance the movement of persons and goods from one part of the city to another.”
On his part, the President of the Nigerian Tunnelling Association, Engr. Abidemi Agwor noted that Nigeria offers a fertile ground for the multi-sectorial application of tunnelling and underground technology with its diverse landscape and growing urban centres. He said that innovative underground solutions can address the challenges of rapid urbanisation, water resource management, and transportation congestion.
“In this context, the importance of tunnelling and underground spaces cannot be overstated. They can provide efficient transportation links, secure supply chains, and even serve as hubs for logistics and warehousing. Imagine the possibilities of an underground network that connects our nations, enabling the free trade flow while also addressing congestion and environmental concerns on the surface,” he added.