No doubt,the construction industry is vital to Nigeria’s economic landscape, significantly contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and employment rates.
As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s construction sector is crucial to national and regional development. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics(NBS), construction accounts for approximately 9 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, underscoring its importance as a catalyst for economic advancement.
To this end, the sector is integral to infrastructure development, facilitating transportation, housing, energy, and public works projects. However, technological advancements in construction could stimulate growth in Nigeria and across the continent, curb excesses and ensure those in this line of business operate profitability and effectively, thereby, enhance their chance of survival.
An expert in the construction industry, Dr Tawakalitu Odubiyi, in a paper titled ‘Harnessing Cloud-Based Building Information Modelling (CBIM) for Innovation and Growth in Nigeria’s Construction Industry: An Expert Perspective,’ noted that, addressing several critical challenges is vital for successfully adopting CBIM in Nigeria.
“A significant hurdle is the need for more skilled professionals to manage and implement CBIM technologies. Therefore, investing in capacity building and training is imperative. Partnerships with academic institutions, software vendors, and industry stakeholders will be instrumental in developing the necessary expertise. In addition, the construction sector must also overcome reluctance to change and fully embrace digital transformation.
“As seen globally, innovation in construction often stems from individual champions rather than organisational frameworks. Promoting a culture of innovation that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and digital independence will be beneficial,” she said.
From a governance perspective, Odubiyi expressed that, the Nigerian government has a crucial role in shaping the digital future of the construction industry.
Importance of CBIM To Businesses
To fully leverage the benefits of CBIM, the construction expert noted that, Nigerian construction companies must embrace new business models that align with contemporary digital technologies. She said: “Outdated, fragmented approaches are no longer viable; businesses should reevaluate their value propositions, customer segments, and partnership networks. This process can be facilitated by frameworks like the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and the St. Gallen Business Model Navigator.”
“These models help identify the needs of key customer segments, including government entities, private developers, and facility management stakeholders while creating distinct value propositions in a competitive market. Strategic collaborations with technology providers, academic institutions, and financial organisations are essential for effectively implementing and scaling CBIM initiatives.”
“By mandating the use of BIM in public projects, similar to the UK’s Government Soft Landings initiative, Nigerian authorities can set the benchmarks for innovation and efficiency. Such policies would enhance the quality and accountability of public infrastructure and encourage the private sector to adopt CBIM technologies. Aligning digital advancements in construction with Nigeria’s broader national objectives—such as increasing transparency, reducing corruption, and promoting sustainable development—will further bolster the sector.
“The success of large-scale infrastructure initiatives is closely linked to political stability and effective governance, making integrating CBIM technologies a strategic priority for Nigeria’s leadership,” she pointed out.
In addition to that, she said, the widespread implementation of CBIM can significantly enhance Nigeria’s economic performance and that, by making the construction industry more efficient and productive, positive ripple effects will extend to other sectors.
“Enhanced infrastructure will improve connectivity, reduce business operational costs, and elevate living standards nationwide. As Nigeria leads digital innovation within construction, it can serve as a model for other African nations, contributing to the continent’s overall economic development,” she stated.
On a broader scale, she said, technologies like CBIM will be crucial in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals, prioritising infrastructure development and industrialisation, adding that, by adopting CBIM, African nations can ensure that infrastructure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
As countries invest in infrastructure to meet urbanisation demands, CBIM,she said, offers a pathway to promote resource efficiency and reduce waste while enabling smarter planning.
Believing that by adopting cloud-based BIM business models represents a transformative opportunity for the Nigerian construction industry to innovate, grow, and make meaningful contributions to the national economy, she added that, “By embracing CBIM, firms can tackle long-standing inefficiencies, improve competitiveness, and enhance stakeholder value. Furthermore, political support for such innovations could catalyse broader economic benefits and solidify Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
“The time has come for the Nigerian construction industry to fully embrace digital transformation. With the appropriate frameworks, strategic partnerships, and supportive government policies, cloud-based BIM technologies can unlock new avenues for growth, paving the way for a brighter future for Nigeria and the broader African continent,” she said.
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