The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, Kaduna State Chapter, has called on construction professionals to shift from traditional building methods to sustainable, low-carbon practices as Nigeria faces mounting pressure from climate change, rapid population growth, and tighter global financing rules.
The call was made recently by Engr. Babatunji Adegoke during a paper presentation to members of the institute in Kaduna.
He argued that construction activities now account for a significant share of global carbon emissions, energy consumption, and waste, making a fundamental shift toward sustainability unavoidable.
“Nigeria’s growing infrastructure requirements cannot be met by business-as-usual methods,” Adegoke said. “With a rapidly expanding population, the demand for roads, housing, and public facilities is immense. We must adopt methodologies that support large-scale development without compromising the environment.”
Sustainability Now a Strategic Necessity
Adegoke described sustainability as no longer an optional “green initiative” but a core strategic requirement. He outlined three pillars for the industry: reducing carbon emissions and energy use, preserving natural resources through waste mitigation, and ensuring economic viability by balancing upfront costs with long-term operational savings.
He said green projects must remain profitable to address Nigeria’s urgent housing and infrastructure deficit while meeting international climate standards.
Global Pressure, Local Response
The quantity surveyor identified three global drivers forcing change in Nigeria’s construction sector the urgent need to cut carbon emissions is pushing the industry toward low-carbon and resilient building practices. He said
“Investors and banks are now mandating Environmental, Social, and Governance compliance. Access to capital, he noted, is increasingly tied to a project’s long-term sustainability.
“Government policy frameworks and building codes are tightening, compelling stakeholders to align with national and international carbon reduction targets.”
Low-Carbon Materials and Digital Transformation
Adegoke urged quantity surveyors to champion the use of green materials such as low-carbon concrete, bamboo composites, geopolymer cement, and repurposed steel. These alternatives, he said, reduce reliance on carbon-intensive Portland cement and conserve natural resources while maintaining structural integrity.
He also stressed the role of digital tools. Building Information Modelling, BIM, and clash detection can identify design conflicts early, cut rework, and reduce material waste. Integrating financial data with structural models enables “precision cost and lifecycle management” across a project’s lifespan.
“Quantity surveyors must move beyond initial budget estimates to embrace lifecycle costing,” Adegoke said. “We must evaluate the long-term economic and environmental impacts of assets over their entire operational lifespan, including carbon accounting and sustainable procurement.”
Opportunities for Nigeria’s Youth
He said Nigeria’s young, tech-savvy population presents an opportunity to drive digital innovation in construction. Adopting BIM, AI-driven data analytics, digital twins, and IoT integration will improve predictive cost management and asset performance.
Adegoke urged government to move from passive observation to active enforcement of green building standards to reduce resistance to change and address the high initial costs of sustainable infrastructure. He also called for professional upskilling in lifecycle costing, carbon tracking, and ESG-compliant procurement.
“Future development must focus on net-zero buildings, solar power, and circular economy principles,” he concluded. “Smart, energy-efficient designs are no longer optional. They are a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s long-term environmental and economic sustainability.”
The NIQS Kaduna meeting drew quantity surveyors, contractors, and government officials who discussed practical steps to integrate sustainability into public and private projects across the state.
Beautiful and timely paper