A leading academic in real estate and environmental sustainability has called on Nigeria to reduce its dependence on imported construction materials, citing the adverse impact on the nation’s housing sector, infrastructure, and overall economic development.
The call was made against the backdrop of rising construction costs and growing concerns over the sustainability of Nigeria’s building industry. The expert emphasized that the issue transcends economic implications, directly affecting housing availability, infrastructure expansion, and national growth objectives.
According to her, prioritizing local production of construction inputs would not only stabilize prices but also create jobs, promote innovation, and enhance Nigeria’s capacity for self-reliant development.
With a strong academic and professional background in land use management and sustainable development, the scholar highlighted the importance of policy reforms that support indigenous manufacturing and reduce the burden of foreign exchange on building projects.
She also stressed that long-term solutions to Nigeria’s housing challenges require integrated strategies focused on resource efficiency, local content promotion, and environmental responsibility, urging stakeholders to collaborate on policies that foster homegrown alternatives to imported materials.
