ABUJA, NIGERIA | August 13, 2026 — The International Road Federation (IRF Global), in partnership with the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), delivered its IRF Certified Training on “AI Applications for Road Management” in Abuja from August 10–13, 2026.

The four-day program brought IRF Global’s international technical expertise to Nigeria’s road sector, with a focus on the application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and advanced analytics to road asset management, pavement engineering, network operations and road safety.

The program addressed the practical integration of emerging technologies into road-management systems, with particular attention to Nigeria’s infrastructure priorities and the broader operating environment across Sub-Saharan Africa.

International Expertise Focused on Practical Road Management Applications

IRF international experts led technical sessions covering the application of advanced digital technologies across the road infrastructure lifecycle.

The program included automated pavement condition assessment using drones and imagery, computer-vision applications for pavement distress detection, predictive deterioration modelling, remaining-service-life forecasting, AI-supported maintenance prioritization and digital twin development for highway corridors and road networks.

Participants also examined applications in traffic and safety management, including advanced data analysis for network monitoring, risk assessment and operational decision-making.

The technical program combined expert instruction, demonstrations, practical exercises and case-based discussions involving Nigerian and regional road corridors.

Senior Nigerian Engineering Leadership Participates

The training received participation from senior figures within Nigeria’s engineering and infrastructure community.

The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has called for the increased deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in Nigeria’s road infrastructure management to improve maintenance, reduce costs and extend the lifespan of critical assets.

Engr. Dr. Bola J. Mudasiru, Acting National Chairman of NIHTE, addressed the opening program and highlighted the relevance of advanced technologies to Nigeria’s road infrastructure challenges, including maintenance requirements, congestion, road safety, flooding and erosion.

Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, also participated in the opening program, emphasizing the expanding role of AI and digital technologies in infrastructure planning, predictive maintenance, pavement monitoring, asset management, traffic management and transportation safety.

Representatives of Nigeria’s engineering and infrastructure institutions further addressed the importance of strengthening professional capabilities in emerging technologies while maintaining engineering standards, accountability and ethical practice.

Data-Driven Asset Management

A major component of the training focused on the relationship between infrastructure data and advanced road-management applications.

Nigeria has developed significant digital resources for road and rural infrastructure management. Initiatives including the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) have supported the development of extensive road-management datasets covering road condition, pavement characteristics, bridges and surrounding communities.

The program examined the application of AI and machine-learning techniques to such datasets for condition assessment, deterioration forecasting, maintenance prioritization and infrastructure investment planning.

This approach supports a transition toward more systematic asset management, with infrastructure decisions informed by network condition, risk, performance and available resources.

From Condition Assessment to Predictive Maintenance

The training examined the progression from conventional road-condition surveys toward automated and predictive approaches.

Computer vision and imagery-based systems were presented for pavement assessment and distress identification. Predictive models were examined for forecasting deterioration and remaining service life. AI-supported prioritization methods were discussed in relation to maintenance programming and budget allocation.

Digital twins were also addressed as an emerging approach for integrating information from multiple sources and supporting the management of highway corridors and wider road networks.

Together, these applications form an increasingly important component of modern road asset management, particularly for agencies responsible for extensive networks and significant maintenance programs.

Implementation, Governance and Professional Capacity

Beyond technical applications, the program addressed the institutional requirements associated with the adoption of AI within road agencies.

Sessions covered data requirements, procurement strategies, organizational change, governance, ethical considerations and capacity development. These areas are particularly relevant to emerging markets, where the successful introduction of advanced technologies depends on their alignment with existing institutional structures, technical capabilities and infrastructure-management practices.

The program also reinforced the role of engineering professionals in evaluating technology, interpreting analytical outputs and integrating digital tools into established asset-management processes.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Road Infrastructure Capabilities

For Nigeria, the program provided an opportunity to connect national engineering expertise with international experience in advanced road-management technologies.

The training addressed applications directly relevant to the country’s priorities, including infrastructure preservation, maintenance planning, network performance, road safety and efficient allocation of resources.

The use of predictive analytics and automated condition assessment, together with existing road-management datasets, represents an important area for further development as Nigeria continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure capabilities.

IRF’s Continued Commitment to Africa

The Abuja program forms part of IRF’s broader professional development and capacity-building activities across Africa.

Through certified training, technical programs and international knowledge exchange, IRF supports road agencies, engineering institutions and infrastructure professionals in adopting proven practices and emerging technologies relevant to the evolving demands of the transportation sector.

The AI Applications for Road Management program concluded on August 13 with the presentation of certificates to participating professionals.

The program further strengthened collaboration between IRF and Nigeria’s road engineering community and provided a technical platform for advancing the application of AI and data-driven approaches to road infrastructure management.

Appreciation and Looking Ahead

IRF Global extends its sincere appreciation to the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), the Nigerian Society of Engineers, participating government and engineering institutions, international experts, speakers, delegates, and all professionals whose engagement contributed to the success of the Abuja training.