SMART INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING FOR SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC FACILITY MAINTENANCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria’s persistent public facility deficit is compounded by a weak maintenance culture, accelerating infrastructure deterioration and undermining returns on public investment. This study explores the potential of smart infrastructure monitoring systems: encompassing sensor networks, predictive analytics, and real-time reporting, to strengthen public facility maintenance in Nigeria. Using a documentary research design, 32 policy documents, peer-reviewed studies, and global case reports published between 2014 and 2024 were systematically reviewed and thematically analyzed to assess existing maintenance frameworks and the applicability of smart monitoring technologies. Findings indicate that more than 85% of current maintenance practices rely on manual inspections and reactive repairs, resulting in high life-cycle costs, prolonged service disruptions, and limited data for planning. Evidence from international best-practice cases demonstrates that continuous condition monitoring and predictive maintenance models can reduce downtime by up to 40% and extend asset lifespan by 20–30%. The study concludes that embedding smart monitoring systems within Nigeria’s public asset management framework is essential for enhancing service delivery, optimizing expenditure, and promoting infrastructure sustainability. Recommendations include targeted policy reforms, capacity-building programmes for public works agencies, and public–private partnerships with technology providers to institutionalize proactive, data-driven maintenance practices.