Experts in construction, manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and interior design have called for a shift in focus towards the quality, safety, durability, and lifecycle value of building materials in Nigeria's construction industry. This appeal was made during the Big 5 Construct Nigeria event in Lagos, where industry professionals emphasized the need for a more informed approach to material selection. With the country's construction market projected to grow by 3.1 percent in 2026, experts stress that prioritizing quality over initial cost or appearance is crucial.
The construction market in Nigeria generated an estimated $54 billion in construction output in 2025 and is expected to continue its expansion. However, experts warn that using cheaper materials that require frequent repairs, replacement, and maintenance can be more expensive in the long run, especially under Nigeria's harsh weather conditions. Technical manager at CAP PLC, Gabriel Ghomren, emphasized that material selection should be based on total lifecycle value rather than the initial purchase price.
Ghomren highlighted several key factors that developers and project teams should consider when selecting building materials, including durability, color retention, adhesion, resistance to weathering and abrasion, maintenance requirements, product composition, and potential health and environmental impacts. He noted that a product that appears cheaper at the point of purchase could become more expensive over the life of a building if it requires frequent repainting, repairs, or replacement.
Ghomren also cautioned against treating sustainability as merely an issue of appearance or relying on "green" claims without examining the composition, safety, and performance of building products. He called on manufacturers to invest in safer raw materials, undertake consistent quality testing, and provide transparent information on product composition and performance. Additionally, he urged architects and consultants to specify materials that meet appropriate safety and performance requirements.
One of the major concerns raised by experts is the presence of lead in paints, which is toxic and can pose serious health risks, particularly to children. Executive director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), Dr Leslie Adogame, represented by Victor Fabunmi, stressed that the long-term performance and safety of buildings are closely linked to the composition of the materials used.
Adogame emphasized that lead in paint is particularly concerning because its presence cannot be determined simply by looking at a product's color or appearance. He noted that Nigeria's mandatory limit for lead in paint provides an important benchmark for manufacturers, specifiers, and consumers, but called for stronger monitoring, enforcement, independent testing, and greater transparency.
The construction industry is urged to move away from material-purchasing decisions driven largely by price and aesthetics. Experts stress that material choices should give equal consideration to safety, material composition, durability, environmental impact, and long-term value. By prioritizing quality and lifecycle value, the industry can ensure the delivery of safer, more sustainable, and more durable buildings that meet the needs of Nigeria's growing population.
Key points
- Experts urge developers, architects, and contractors to prioritize quality, safety, durability, and lifecycle value of building materials.
- Nigeria's construction market is valued at $54 billion and projected to grow by 3.1 percent in 2026.
- Presence of lead in paints poses serious health risks, particularly to children, and requires stronger monitoring and enforcement.
