The federal roads network in Nigeria is an asset of national and strategic importance but the performance of the roads sector has not been satisfactory despite its enormous potential for growth and development.
The process of road deterioration commences immediately after construction. Therefore, such a process can be reduced considerably depending on adequacy and efficiency of measures put in place.
One of such measures newly introduced in Nigeria is the use of the Base Seal (BS-100) Chemical (BS-100) in soil stabilisation during road maintenance, rehabilitation and construction projects.
Base Seal is a liquid chemical developed to penetrate and create a hard, resilient pavement layer of cementing loose material of the road base into a tight bond.
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Its use has replaced the tedious use of stone base and laterite in construction, thereby reducing the cost of transporting lateral or stone base to construction site.
Base Seal was introduced in Nigeria in 2001 and it is known for its long-lasting capability when used for road construction.
This new product has been applied on road constructions in Katsina, Sokoto, Ekiti, Edo, Niger, Borno states and indeed, these roads have stood the test of time compared to other roads where Base Seal is not applied.
As a short, medium and long-term road maintenance strategy, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has observed the successful adaptation of BS-100 chemical for optimally improving the engineering properties of existing pavement material and as an alternative to stone base for projects and this has been attested to by Base Seal International Inc. Huston Texas USA, the parent company.
The longevity of the roads constructed with Base Seal will speak for itself and seeing the result, major stakeholders and other stakeholders in the road industry, including the private sector, should demand for Base Seal and this will foster the establishment of Base Seal production plant in Nigeria.
Engr. Nuruddeen A. Rafindadi is the MD/CEO of FERMA
