Causes of Failure On Nigerian Roads: A Review

The extent of failure along different Nigerian roads has made many researchers to investigate into the causes of these failures. This paper reviews the causes of road failure along Nigerian roads and proffers solutions to minimize the problem. Road was identified as a very important infrastructure in any community. A good road eases the conveyance of people and goods from one place to another thus improving the economy. Some of the effects of road failure identified are high accident rate, increased travel time, increased cost of vehicle maintenance and high crime rate. The paper further identifies inadequate preliminary geological investigation, poor design of roads, bad supervision and workmanship, lack of routine and periodic maintenance, bad drainage, improper use and overloading and inadequate sanction for highway failure as the major causes of failure on Nigerian roads. Solutions proffered include; provision of adequate and appropriate designs, supervision and quality control, decongestion of the Nigerian roads, Timely maintenance of roads, provision of highway facilities, use of well trained personnel and favourable government policies