The construction industry in Nigeria faces significant challenges due to the poor adoption of modern technologies by professionals, leading to a stagnation in growth within the sector. Stakeholders observe that approximately 75 percent of industry professionals lag in embracing new technologies. At the recent Big 5 Construct Nigeria event in Lagos, Enianu Eniafe, a project manager at ENCON Sharon Engineering Services, emphasized the need to close the knowledge gap that impedes technological adoption. He pointed out that Building Information Modelling (BIM), a technology in use globally since 2014, remains largely unimplemented in Nigeria. Without these technological advancements, the industry suffers from increased clashes during construction, resulting in rework and escalating costs, highlighting the necessity of harnessing both human and technological resources for improved efficiency.
The inadequacies in technology adoption are not solely a result of industry professionals’ resistance; systemic issues also play a crucial role. According to Toye Eniola, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria, the construction sector’s reliance on outdated manual methods is detrimental to its growth potential. He criticized the government’s failure to effectively integrate technology into the construction process, attributing this to pervasive corruption that hampers progress. This lack of regulatory support prevents the adoption of innovative solutions that could alleviate existing issues in the sector, thereby stunting its development and further putting it at a disadvantage compared to other countries that have embraced technology in construction.
To encourage a shift towards embracing modern technology, leaders in the construction sector are advocating for professional development and the hiring of consultants who specialize in technological advancements. Dr. Oluremi Olukoya, CEO of Pecksgrey Group, underscored the importance of bringing in external expertise to help construction businesses integrate new technologies. He believes that partnerships with consultants can facilitate effective training and deployment of these technologies, equipping professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of construction. Such initiatives would not only enhance operational efficiency but also enable businesses to keep pace with global developments in the industry.
Demographic trends present both challenges and opportunities for the Nigerian construction industry. Ben Greenish, Executive Vice President of DMG Events, pointed out that Nigeria’s population is projected to double over the next 50 years, creating vast demand for construction. He outlined that by 2080, a significant portion of the African population will be urbanized, thereby necessitating increased infrastructure development in Nigeria. This surge provides a burgeoning market for construction and signifies its integral role in job creation, education, and economic wealth generation, especially amid a youthful population exceeding 200 million. Greenish reiterated that effective urban planning and construction can cater to educational needs and provide employment opportunities for the growing populace, highlighting the sector’s critical position as a driver of national development.
Amidst these discussions on technology and demographic changes, the focus on international collaboration has been emphasized through events like Big 5 Construct Nigeria. Mehtap Gürsoy, Portfolio Director at DMG, noted the participation of 150 exhibitors from 20 countries at the event, underscoring the importance of fostering business partnerships. The Nigerian construction industry, currently valued at $128 billion and growing at a rate of 2.4 percent annually, represents a vital platform for international companies to engage with local entities. This collaboration is essential in promoting knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and investment, all pivotal for advancing the construction sector’s capabilities.
In summary, the underutilization of modern technologies in Nigeria’s construction industry presents a significant barrier to growth, exacerbated by systemic challenges such as corruption and a lack of regulatory incentives. To address these issues, industry leaders advocate for a concerted effort to bridge the knowledge gap and embrace technological advancements through professional development and collaboration with experts. The demographic realities and the resulting demand for infrastructure underscore the urgent need for an innovative construction approach that can adapt to future challenges. Collaborative events provide a crucial opportunity for international engagement, promoting the exchange of best practices and technology necessary for revitalizing the sector and enhancing its contribution to Nigeria’s economic landscape.
