Nigeria Urged to Explore Clay Building Materials to Reduce Housing Costs, Prevent Building Collapse
Real estate expert Ayodeji Fasehun has called for greater investment in locally produced clay and alternative building materials to improve affordable housing delivery in Nigeria, while warning that efforts to reduce construction costs must not compromise building safety.
Fasehun said Nigeria should explore the potential of indigenous construction materials as rising prices of cement, steel and other building inputs continue to put pressure on developers and prospective homeowners.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH, the property expert explained that locally available materials could offer opportunities for reducing dependence on imported construction inputs, provided they meet established safety and quality standards.
He stressed that the affordability of clay products must be determined through proper cost assessments rather than assumptions about their local availability.
Clay Building Materials Could Support Affordable Housing in Nigeria
According to Fasehun, Nigeria has significant opportunities to develop building solutions using locally available materials that respond to the country’s economic and environmental conditions.
He maintained that clay-based construction products deserve greater attention from government, researchers, manufacturers and property developers.
However, he cautioned that clay should not automatically be regarded as cheaper than conventional concrete blocks.
The total cost of construction, he explained, must account for manufacturing, transportation, installation, labour, finishing, durability and long-term maintenance.
The expert emphasised that clay products should only be promoted for housing construction where testing establishes their structural suitability, safety and cost-effectiveness.
He also advocated greater investment in research and development to encourage innovative building technologies appropriate for Nigeria.
Rising Building Material Prices Threaten Housing Affordability
Fasehun identified inflation, exchange rate instability, increasing energy costs, transportation expenses and higher manufacturing costs as major factors driving construction prices.
He explained that Nigeria’s reliance on imported components and raw materials exposes the building industry to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Beyond factory prices, developers must also consider the cost of transporting materials, storage, handling, wastage and project financing.
These additional expenses increase overall construction budgets and make housing delivery more challenging.
He therefore advised developers to strengthen procurement planning, assess suppliers carefully and avoid unnecessary emergency purchases.
According to him, obtaining the lowest purchase price should not be the primary objective when sourcing construction materials.
Instead, developers should prioritise products that offer reliable quality and value throughout their useful life.
Expert Warns Against Substandard Construction Materials
Addressing the recurring incidents of building collapse in Nigeria, Fasehun warned that the use of inferior construction materials poses serious risks to lives and property.
He explained that building safety depends on a coordinated process involving architects, engineers, builders, quantity surveyors, contractors, suppliers, developers and regulatory authorities.
A failure at any stage, from soil investigation and structural design to procurement and construction supervision, could undermine the integrity of a building.
He specifically highlighted the dangers of replacing specified reinforcement materials with inferior alternatives in an attempt to reduce costs.
Fasehun argued that construction affordability must never be achieved by weakening structural standards.
Government Urged to Strengthen Building Regulations
The real estate expert called for stricter enforcement of existing construction regulations and more effective inspections throughout the building process.
He urged building-control authorities to conduct inspections at critical construction stages rather than waiting until structural failures occur.
Fasehun also identified the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as an important institution in ensuring that building materials comply with established specifications.
He recommended stronger product testing, certification and market surveillance to prevent substandard construction materials from entering the market.
Government agencies, professional bodies and developers, he said, must work together to promote compliance and accountability.
Quackery Identified as Major Threat to Building Safety
Fasehun also expressed concern over the activities of unqualified individuals operating in Nigeria’s construction industry.
He warned that engaging inexperienced contractors and professionals simply because they offer cheaper services could expose property owners to significant financial losses and safety risks.
According to him, experience in constructing a bungalow does not automatically qualify an individual to manage a multistorey development.
He advised prospective homeowners to verify the professional qualifications, registrations and experience of those engaged to design and supervise their projects.
The expert also urged regulatory bodies to strengthen action against individuals operating beyond their professional competence.
Affordable Housing Must Combine Low Costs with Safety
Fasehun maintained that Nigeria’s housing challenges require more than increasing the number of residential buildings.
He said attention must also be given to construction quality, durability, affordability and long-term maintenance costs.
For prospective homeowners, he recommended proper planning, realistic budgeting, soil investigations, professional designs and necessary approvals before construction begins.
Where financial resources are limited, he advised property owners to consider smaller buildings or phased development rather than compromising construction standards.
He also called on government to address wider economic challenges affecting the building industry, including energy costs, transportation, infrastructure and foreign exchange pressures.
The expert maintained that locally produced construction materials could contribute to a more sustainable housing industry if supported by research, appropriate standards and competitive manufacturing.
His recommendations highlight the importance of developing affordable housing solutions that protect lives while responding to the financial realities of Nigerian households.
