FG’s housing policy creates local jobs, boosts sustainability

In a bold move aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing housing demand while promoting sustainable construction practices, the Federal Government has announced that all affordable smart homes for low- and medium-income earners will now be built using bamboo plants as the primary material.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, during a workshop held in Abuja on Wednesday, June 11. Represented by the Director of Environmental Science Technology (EST), Mrs. Benadette Oguche, she made the announcement at a One-Day Capacity Building Workshop on the Relevance of Bamboo for Climate-Smart Housing Construction, organized to explore green alternatives in Nigeria’s building sector.

Mrs. Esuabana emphasized that bamboo, when combined with other proven green technologies, offers a scalable and environmentally responsible solution to Nigeria’s pressing housing needs. “Bamboo enables us to build in a way that is both affordable and eco-friendly, while aligning with our goals of adaptability, comfort, and sustainability,” she noted.

The initiative is being driven by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), an agency under the ministry. The institute is leveraging green technologies to tackle diverse challenges in the housing sector, with a focus on climate-smart construction.

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She acknowledged existing hurdles, such as the high upfront costs and inconsistent supply of bamboo, but expressed confidence that the workshop would provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to navigate these obstacles.

The policy is expected to create new business opportunities in bamboo farming, local processing, and construction, opening avenues for small businesses and cooperatives to participate in the green economy. It also aligns with Nigeria’s climate commitments by promoting carbon footprint reduction in the housing industry.

As the government doubles down on innovation-driven solutions, stakeholders from both the public and private sectors are encouraged to collaborate and invest in building a resilient, green housing market that supports low- and middle-income communities across the country.