Bennett Oghifo

The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello, recently led a distinguished delegation to the World of Asphalt trade show in St. Louis, U.S.A, where they explored the latest advancements in asphalt technology and road-building equipment. 

The visit underscored Nigeria’s commitment to improving infrastructure through innovation and strategic partnerships.

Innovation Driving Nigeria’s Road Construction

Asphalt technology and road-building equipment were key highlights of the delegation’s tour. Minister Bello noted that several innovations caught his attention, particularly advancements in sustainable paving materials, intelligent compaction systems, and next-generation asphalt plants.

 “These technologies have the potential to significantly improve road durability, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria,” said Bello. “We are particularly interested in solutions that can help us construct roads that withstand heavy rainfall and high traffic volumes while reducing maintenance costs.”

Among the standout equipment, the delegation explored: 

• Automated Pavers and Milling Machines – Designed to enhance precision and efficiency in asphalt placement and resurfacing.

•Warm Mix Asphalt Technology – A more sustainable and cost-effective alternative that reduces emissions and improves pavement performance.

•Recycling and Reclamation Equipment – Machinery that allows for the reuse of existing materials, reducing waste and project costs.

 Enhancing Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness in Road Projects

With infrastructure development being a top priority, the Nigerian government seeks solutions that optimize cost while maintaining quality. World of Asphalt provided a platform to examine state-of-the-art equipment and techniques that could be beneficial for Nigeria’s road network.

 “Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are critical in our road construction projects,” said Bello. “We’ve seen innovative equipment here that reduces material waste and speeds up construction timelines. Technologies like warm mix asphalt and automated grading systems could greatly enhance our ability to deliver high-quality roads at lower costs.”

Brittany Schmidtke, Show Director of World of Asphalt, emphasized the importance of hosting international delegations and fostering knowledge exchange.

“We are thrilled to have Minister Bello and his delegation here at World of Asphalt,” said Schmidtke. “Our goal is to provide an environment where global leaders can discover thelatest equipment, learn best practices, and connect with industry experts to drive progress in road construction and infrastructure.”

Aligning Road and Infrastructure Development

While the primary focus of the delegation was road construction, Minister Bello highlighted how infrastructure development aligns with the broader goals of the Federal Ministry of Works. Over the next five years, the ministry aims to improve road network which aligns with the renewed hope agenda of the current administration of President Ahmed Tinubu.

 “Events like World of Asphalt contribute to our objectives by introducing us to groundbreaking equipment and methodologies,” said Bello. “Well-built roads play a vital role in facilitating water project deployments, ensuring rural and urban communities have reliable access to clean water and sanitation.”

Megan Tanel, President and CEO of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) welcomed the Nigerian delegation which included Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, the Managing Director of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, key Directors of the Agency, Private construction contractors and Marcella Iyitor, CEO of Niche PR, and emphasized the value of global collaboration at trade shows like World of Asphalt.

“We are always honored to welcome international delegations to our trade shows,” said Tanel. “These events provide a unique opportunity for industry leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, explore new technologies, and build relationships that drive progress in infrastructure development.”

The Minister’s visit reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology to drive infrastructure improvements. As Nigeria continues to invest in road projects, insights from World of Asphalt will shape policies and partnerships that foster long-term development.Held every year except during CONEXPO-CON/AGG years, World of Asphalt is the leading trade show and conference focused on the asphalt and paving industries, whose most recent edition was recognized by  Trade Show Executive  as one of the “Fastest 50” growing trade shows. The show features the best education, and latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the asphalt and paving industries. World of Asphalt, co-located with the AGG1 Academy & Expo, was held March 25-27, 2025, in St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. World of Asphalt is majority owned by NAPA and partially owned by AEM, who produces the show. For more information on World of Asphalt, visit WorldOfAsphalt.com. 

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)  is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry in the United States supports 2.3 million jobs and contributes roughly $316 billion to the economy every year.