As cities across the world face rapid urbanisation and climate change, a Nigerian researcher, Dr. Oluwaseun Samson Olaboye has released two groundbreaking studies aimed at tackling the environmental and structural strains facing modern cities, especially in Nigeria.
The solutions according to the expert are the promotion of green roofs and vertical gardens and the development of self-healing concrete, adding that the innovation offers practical, science-backed tools to mitigate extreme urban heat, reduce flooding and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure.
Olaboye’s research into green infrastructure highlights the significant benefits of living rooftops and vertical plant systems, even as his findings showed that these installations can lower urban temperatures by 3–5°C—a direct counter to the “urban heat island” effect that plagues many densely built areas.
Olaboye, who disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja, also noted that “In a survey of 300 urban planners, city officials, and residents, 85% endorsed the temperature-reducing impact of green roofs. Additionally, these systems were found to retain up to 80% of rainfall, helping to reduce pressure on city drainage systems—an advantage acknowledged by 72% of respondents.
He, however, lamented that despite the benefits, widespread adoption remains a challenge. “High installation costs (cited by 78%), limited maintenance knowledge (65%), and lack of space (58%) are major hurdles. To address these, Olaboye advocates for policy support in the form of tax incentives, public training programs, and greater awareness of long-term returns such as reduced energy bills and enhanced urban aesthetics—an advantage appreciated by 92% of those that participated in the survey.
“This is no longer a luxury,” Olaboye emphasises. “It’s a necessity for cities in a warming world.”
In a parallel study, Olaboye turns his attention to the silent crisis of crumbling urban infrastructure. Traditional concrete, prone to cracking, requires constant maintenance. His proposed solution—self-healing concrete—using bacteria like Bacillus subtilis or polymer-filled microcapsules to autonomously repair cracks when exposed to water.
He lamented that despite the positives, both solutions face hesitancy. Some 44% of property owners resist green roof installations due to cost concerns, and widespread use of smart concrete awaits more economical manufacturing methods.
“These aren’t just ideas—they’re blueprints for survival,” Olaboye said.
