Nigeria's construction industry is facing a significant skills gap that threatens its sustainable development. Experts at the Big 5 Construct Nigeria exhibition in Lagos emphasized the need for stronger investment in education, vocational training, and continuous professional development to build the capacity required for sustainable construction. The skills gap is attributed to various factors, including inadequate education and training programs. Addressing this gap is crucial for the industry's growth and the country's overall development.
Dr. Ade Adewolu, Project Consultant to UN-Habitat, highlighted the importance of a robust education system in addressing the skills requirements associated with sustainable and green construction. He emphasized that Nigeria cannot build a sustainable future without ensuring its population has access to quality education. Adewolu called for greater investment in education, including vocational and technical education, to equip young people with practical skills. This, he believes, will provide the foundation for developing the skills required to improve productivity and address future challenges in the construction industry and wider economy.
Jacqueline Aki, President of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria, also emphasized the need for continuous education in Nigeria's construction industry. She stated that industry practitioners require regular access to training and platforms like the Big 5 Construct to exchange knowledge and improve their understanding of construction materials and practices. Aki highlighted the potential for Nigeria to expand its manufacturing capacity by developing local skills and supporting people with the necessary talent. This, she believes, can reduce reliance on imported products and create opportunities for the country to produce materials for both domestic use and export.
The experts also linked the skills challenge to the high cost of construction materials, which contributes to pressure on project costs and may encourage compromises in material quality. Aki emphasized the need for professionals to understand the properties and appropriate applications of materials before making substitutions to reduce project costs. She called for greater attention to standards and verification in the construction materials market, particularly as the country continues to rely on imported products. Clearer standards, she believes, will help practitioners and consumers distinguish between products and ensure that materials entering the market meet appropriate requirements.
The Senior Vice President at dmg events, Josine Heijmans, highlighted the industry's efforts to examine the use of technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and artificial intelligence to improve project delivery. She noted that the sector continues to face challenges around project costs and timely delivery, making improved project management, technology, and access to technical expertise crucial to addressing those challenges. Heijmans emphasized that the exhibition provided a platform for local and international companies, professionals, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore products, and develop partnerships aimed at addressing challenges in the construction value chain.
Heijmans also highlighted the importance of combining local and international expertise to help Nigerian companies gain access to new products and technologies while creating opportunities for partnerships with foreign businesses. She emphasized that the objective should be to ensure that knowledge and solutions discussed at industry platforms translate into practical improvements in the day-to-day delivery of construction projects. By doing so, the industry can address its challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
The experts' call for education reform and increased investment in vocational training is timely, given the industry's growth prospects. With a large population and growing economy, Nigeria has the potential to develop its productive capacity and become a major player in the construction industry. However, addressing the skills gap and investing in education and training programs are crucial to unlocking this potential. The government's support and private sector investment will be essential in bridging the skills gap and ensuring the industry's sustainable growth.
Key points
- Experts call for stronger investment in education and vocational training to address the skills gap in Nigeria's construction industry.
- The industry faces challenges around project costs, timely delivery, and material quality, which can be addressed through improved project management, technology, and access to technical expertise.
- Developing local skills and supporting people with the necessary talent can help Nigeria expand its manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imported products.
