By Zaniab Lawal
Nigeria’s construction industry is under strain from inefficiency, corruption, and limited skilled manpower, with experts urging urgent reforms to reposition the sector for economic growth.
Professor Luqman Oyekunle Oyewobi made this known during the 124th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he described the industry as an “ailing elephant” in need of revival.
Presenting the Inaugural Lecture with the theme: The Nigerian Construction Industry: The Ailing Elephant – A Menu of Cure, the Professor of Quality Surveying (Construction Economics and Management), highlighted key challenges, including a housing deficit of about 28 million units, poor infrastructure, high construction costs, and unreliable power supply, which significantly increase project expenses.
He also identified weak procurement systems, political interference, and inadequate technical expertise as major setbacks.
Oyewobi recommended the adoption of transparent e-procurement systems, strengthened public-private partnerships, integration of digital construction technologies, and greater investment in technical and vocational education.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, commended the lecture, noting that the issues raised are critical to national development and require collective action.
The event drew academics, industry stakeholders, and ASUU officials, while a minute of silence was observed in honour of the late Professor Abu Mallam, former ASUU Chairman and Abuja Zonal Coordinator.
Photo Credit Elijah Yisa
