The Federal Government has been advised to prioritise massive investment in innovation as a pathway to sustainable infrastructure development.

In a statement, a concrete engineer engaged in advanced research for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Isaac Oyawoye, stressed that with Nigeria facing decaying roads and failing airport runways, innovation must be placed at the heart of infrastructure renewal, according to The Punch.

He said, “We must move beyond old methods and embrace tools that guarantee durability. Innovation is key to cutting waste and improving safety.

“We must test the properties that truly matter, and the solution lies in shifting from prescriptive to performance-based specifications. Durability should not be left to chance. We now have the tools to get it right from the very beginning.”

Oyawoye explained that Performance Engineered Mixtures could offer a breakthrough in constructing pavements that are more durable and better able to withstand stress.

He noted that the initiative comes at a crucial time, as Nigeria’s roads and airport runways are deteriorating faster than they can be repaired or replaced — a trend that imposes huge costs on public finances, safety, economic productivity, and national development.

Drawing on his extensive background in concrete materials and pavement engineering, Oyawoye has worked with international partners to translate advanced research into practical, real-world solutions for infrastructure.

He noted that this practical, solution-driven approach has positioned him as a leading authority in performance-based concrete design, serving as a vital link between laboratory research and real-world application. Industry experts also regard him as an innovator who not only envisions stronger infrastructure but also pioneers the methods to make it possible.

Amid the aviation sector’s challenges and the growing strain on Nigeria’s road network, his work is seen as especially timely.

He further cautioned against the economic toll of neglect, stressing that every failed pavement carries heavy consequences—not only in financial terms but also in safety risks and lost productivity.

“If we want lasting value for the billions spent on infrastructure, performance-based design is the way forward,” he said.

PEM is a cutting-edge approach that moves beyond traditional prescriptive standards such as slump and compressive strength tests.