Experts Stress Quality in Nigeria's $54bn Construction Market

At the Big 5 Construct Nigeria event in Lagos, experts from construction, manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and interior design urged stakeholders to prioritize the quality, safety, durability, and lifecycle value of building materials. Gabriel Ghomren, technical manager at CAP PLC, emphasized that material selection should focus on total lifecycle value rather than just initial costs, as cheaper materials may incur higher expenses over time due to frequent repairs and maintenance, especially in Nigeria's harsh climate.

He highlighted the importance of durability, adhesion, and environmental impacts. Ghomren also warned against superficial sustainability claims and called for manufacturers to invest in safer materials and provide transparent product information.

Dr. Leslie Adogame, executive director of SRADev Nigeria, represented by Victor Fabunmi, stressed the link between material composition and long-term building safety, particularly concerning lead in paints, which poses health risks. He advocated for stronger monitoring and enforcement of lead limits in paint.