From construction to continuity: Institutionalizing infrastructure maintenance in Kogi
By Onimisi Nasirudeen
Across Nigeria, and particularly in states like Kogi, the commissioning of new infrastructure is often met with celebration. Roads, schools, health centers, administrative buildings, and markets are built with much fanfare. However, in many cases, these projects fall into disrepair after a few years due to the lack of a structured approach to maintenance.
This cycle of building, neglecting, and rebuilding is not only costly but also damages public trust, disrupts essential services, and slows down long-term progress. To ensure that Kogi State maximizes the value of every naira spent on public infrastructure, a systemic and professional approach to maintenance must be adopted.
It is common to see government schools without roofs just a few years after renovation, water systems that no longer function, roads full of potholes, and public offices crumbling despite their continued use. These problems arise because there is no dedicated budget for maintenance once a project is completed. Many agencies lack a maintenance department, there is no clear guide or tracking of a project’s life cycle, and accountability for upkeep is missing. Most importantly, there is no culture of preventive maintenance in place.
Maintaining infrastructure is far more cost-effective than rebuilding. Studies show that maintenance costs are typically five to ten times less expensive than reconstruction. Furthermore, well-maintained facilities build public confidence in government and ensure continuous delivery of vital services in health, education, and administration. Regular upkeep also contributes to environmental protection by reducing waste and preventing urban decay.
To achieve sustainable maintenance, Kogi State should establish an agency dedicated to managing and preserving all government-owned buildings and utilities. This agency would be responsible for inspecting and maintaining infrastructure throughout the state. Every new project should include a maintenance plan that covers at least ten years and accounts for the associated costs from the outset.
Implementing a regular maintenance schedule for schools, hospitals, government offices, roads, and drainage systems will help keep public infrastructure in good condition. Digitizing asset management with modern technology can provide real-time information on the state of buildings and facilities, enabling prompt action and better budget planning.
To support this effort, universities and polytechnics in Kogi state should offer training programs in facility management and maintenance skills such as HVAC, electrical repairs, and general upkeep. This will help build a local workforce dedicated to maintaining public infrastructure.
At the policy level, lawmakers should pass legislation requiring all government agencies to set aside at least five to ten percent of their annual capital budget for maintenance. The government should also conduct and publish annual audits on the state of public infrastructure to maintain transparency and accountability. Public-private partnerships could be encouraged, contracting private firms to manage and maintain public assets over the long term. Decentralizing maintenance through local government units will help preserve infrastructure even in rural areas.
Pilot initiatives could include a five-year maintenance plan for roads in Lokoja, audits and repairs of fifty primary schools, maintenance contracts for state ministry buildings, and plans to sustain solar street lighting in major towns.
True sustainable development is measured not by the number of buildings completed, but by how long they remain functional and well-maintained. Constructing new projects is important, but it is equally vital to care for those already built. Regular repairs, cleaning, and upkeep must become standard practice.
By embedding maintenance into the fabric of governance, Kogi State can save money, improve service delivery, uphold the dignity of public spaces, and foster pride in government achievements. We should no longer be known as a state of abandoned projects. Instead, let us be recognized as a state that preserves and values its legacies.
Onimisi Nasirudeen, is an architect and project manager
