Tar sands are a combination of clay, sand, water, and bitumen, a heavy, black, asphalt-like hydrocarbon. Bitumen from tar sands can be upgraded to synthetic crude oil and refined to make asphalt, gasoline, jet fuel, and value-added chemicals. The Federal Ministry of Works and its contractors rely on inputs from mines to construct roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Engineer David Nweze Umahi, the Minister of Works, is promoting the use of cement for highway construction in Nigeria. It would be great if he collaborated with Dr. Henry Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, to utilize the country’s tar sands deposits for road construction. Bitumen is also used in waterproofing roofs and as a binder in asphalt for roads. Concrete pavements are known for their strength and durability. Asphalt derived from tar sands and bitumen from the Kaduna Petrochemical Refining Company should be included in the mix for highway construction in Nigeria. By utilizing the tar sands deposits in Nigeria, the country can reduce imports and save foreign exchange. This could also help lower the cost of building roads. It’s important to explore the potential benefits of tar sands and collaborate between ministries to maximize their use.
