Lagos – June 2025
The Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) convened a pivotal conference focused on promoting sustainability and unlocking financing pathways for the nation’s construction industry. Hosted at the Lagos chapter’s headquarters, the conference featured a keynote address delivered by Eseogbene Odusola Stevenson, Senior Project Manager at Energo Building Construction Ltd, on behalf of Adeoye Thomas, Chairman of NIOB Lagos Chapter.
Under the theme “Sustainable Practices and Financing Solutions for Nigeria’s Construction Sector,” Stevenson emphasized the imperative for industry professionals to adopt eco-friendly building methods and integrate long-term value into their projects. He highlighted the urgent need to incorporate green design principles, efficient resource utilization, and the employment of locally-sourced, low-carbon materials to reduce environmental impact.
Stevenson further underscored the role of innovative financing in enabling sustainable development. He called for partnerships between small- and medium-scale construction firms and financial institutions to create tailored funding mechanisms such as green bonds, targeted loans, and public–private investment frameworks. He also urged government stakeholders to support eco-conscious construction through tax incentives, streamlined approvals, and waivers on duties for environmentally friendly building inputs.
Addressing the audience, Stevenson remarked: “Sustainability in construction is more than a choice—it is a necessity. But noble intentions must be matched with financial foresight. We must bridge the gap between design ideals and bankable projects.”
Industry stakeholders in attendance concurred on the importance of capacity building and the need for regulatory reforms to support green building standards. The discourse also highlighted the necessity for enhanced collaboration among architects, engineers, environmental experts, academics, and financiers.
The event concluded with a resolution to form a multi-stakeholder task force under the Lagos Chapter’s leadership. The task force’s aim will be to develop frameworks for:
- Raising awareness of sustainable building practices
- Engaging financiers in developing construction-friendly green investment models
- Advocating for supportive policy reforms
- Hosting training and pro‑bono advisory clinics for smaller firms and emerging practitioners
The Lagos Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s construction sector toward environmentally sustainable and economically viable outcomes—aligning national development goals with global best practices.