Transforming Nigeria’s construction landscape

In Nigeria’s ever-evolving construction industry, one figure is making waves for her commitment to green building practices and sustainability: Eniola Akintunde. With years of experience in construction and engineering, Akintunde has positioned herself as a leader, driving the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and smart building technologies to enhance cost efficiency and promote sustainable construction.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability, the construction industry—a major contributor to carbon emissions—faces increasing pressure to adopt greener practices. In Nigeria, where urbanization and construction are rapidly expanding, the need for sustainable infrastructure has never been more urgent. The question is clear: How can Nigeria develop its infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact? The solution lies in the widespread adoption of green building practices, supported by innovative technologies and robust policy initiatives.

Traditional construction methods in Nigeria are often resource-intensive and environmentally harmful. The excessive use of concrete, a significant contributor to carbon emissions, and poor waste management on construction sites underscore the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Akintunde stresses that adopting green building practices is crucial to addressing these issues. These practices focus on energy efficiency, sustainable materials, water conservation, and waste reduction—key strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of construction activities and improving living conditions for Nigerians.

A strong advocate for the role of quantity surveyors, Akintunde highlights their importance in achieving net-zero goals within the construction industry. Quantity surveyors bring expertise in cost management and value engineering, making green building projects financially viable. They help optimize resources, ensure compliance with sustainability standards, and facilitate access to tax incentives and subsidies for developers.

Effective policy initiatives are vital for advancing green building practices in Nigeria. While progress has been made with the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC) and the National Building Code, Akintunde calls for stronger enforcement and additional incentives to drive the adoption of sustainable practices. She advocates for mandatory sustainability standards for public buildings and incentives for green technologies, which can spur innovation in the industry. Quantity surveyors, Akintunde notes, are key to this effort, advising on cost-effective, sustainable solutions and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Technological advancements offer promising solutions to the challenges faced by Nigeria’s construction sector. Akintunde emphasizes that Building Information Modeling (BIM) can revolutionize the planning and design phases of construction projects. By enabling precise material estimation and reducing waste, BIM aligns with the principles of green building. Additionally, the use of prefabricated building components made from sustainable materials can significantly reduce construction time, minimize waste, and lower costs. Other technologies, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart energy management solutions, can be integrated into building designs to enhance energy efficiency and resource conservation.

Under Akintunde’s leadership, Nigeria’s construction sector is poised for a sustainable future driven by innovation and technology. Her pioneering efforts demonstrate the transformative potential of BIM and other digital tools in achieving net-zero-energy buildings and fostering a greener, more sustainable construction landscape. As Nigeria moves towards greater sustainability and environmental resilience, the integration of technology and the promotion of policies that incentivize sustainable construction practices will be crucial. With Akintunde’s vision and leadership, the construction industry in Nigeria is on the brink of a revolution, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.