Nigeria faces a massive infrastructure challenge—it needs 200,000 kilometers of new roads. However, high material costs and unstable lateritic soil make construction expensive and unsustainable, with construction costs estimated at up to $12.2 billion. To tackle this, Nigerian engineers are testing shredded plastic waste as a cheaper, eco-friendly alternative to cement and lime for stabilizing soil. Early lab results show that mixing just 2% plastic with soil increases its strength and durability, offering a promising solution to both road quality and plastic waste problems. Experts now urge the government to invest in pilot projects, recycling incentives, and pro-green policies to scale this innovation. If adopted, the initiative could transform Nigeria’s infrastructure while helping clean up its environment.
The Conversation
