By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze has said that the recent emergency landing of an aircraft on a concrete-paved road near Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State is proof of the durability of road infrastructure under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement on Thursday, Umahi’s Aid said the development underscored the importance of durable infrastructure and the rationale behind the administration’s increasing adoption of concrete pavement for strategic federal road projects.
Recall that the private aircraft reportedly developed technical difficulties while attempting to land at Asaba Airport on Wednesday, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing on a nearby road with all occupants on board reported safe, with no fatalities or injuries recorded.
Reacting, Nwaze noted that although the road was not designed for aviation operations, its structural integrity and stability may have contributed to the safe outcome of the emergency.
”The incident demonstrates the value of investing in resilient infrastructure. While roads are built primarily for transportation, quality infrastructure can prove critical in unforeseen circumstances,” he said.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of roads using concrete pavement technology, citing its durability, load-bearing capacity and longer lifespan compared to conventional alternatives.
The policy is being implemented through the Federal Ministry of Works under the leadership of the Minister, Senator David Umahi, with several ongoing federal highway projects across the country incorporating concrete pavement design.
Nwaze said the Delta incident serves as a practical example of how infrastructure investments can generate benefits beyond their immediate purpose, adding that well-constructed roads contribute not only to mobility and economic development but also to public safety and national resilience.
The aircraft incident is currently under investigation by relevant aviation authorities, who are expected to determine the circumstances that led to the emergency landing.
However, the incident has sparked conversations among stakeholders on the broader value of infrastructure quality and the role of durable public assets in mitigating risks during emergencies.