With Nigeria’s construction sector projected to hit $108 billion by 2025, industry giants, policymakers, and innovators gathered for the Big 5 Construct Nigeria Expo to explore emerging technologies, sustainable solutions, and partnerships vital to meeting the nation’s infrastructure and housing needs.
The exhibition organised by DMG Events, drew an impressive mix of 160 exhibitors from over 20 countries, including Italy, Turkey, China, Spain, and for the first time, Egypt. With 60% of local exhibitors and 40% international, just as the event served as a comprehensive showcase of innovations across the entire construction value chain.
Speaking at the event, Senior Vice President at DMG events, Josine Heijmans, said the expo had become the heartbeat of Nigeria’s construction industry, providing not only product exposure but also opportunities for upskilling.
“Over three days, packed theatres hosted Big 5 Talks where professionals gained insights into sustainable construction, project management, and new technologies,” she noted.
While underscoring the need for innovation and global collaboration to meet the nation’s ambitious target. Heijmans cited insights from dmg’s knowledge partner ABIQ highlighting the sector’s growth potential.
Heijman revealed that “Nigeria’s construction industry is predicted to reach $108 billion by 2025,” she said beyond exhibition booths, the event doubled as a strategic dialogue platform, tackling issues like affordable housing, urban infrastructure, and sustainable building practices.
Heijmans added: “With a fast-growing population and pressing infrastructure needs, Big 5 aims to connect Nigeria with global solutions.”
According to her, “On display were products and technologies ranging from heavy machinery and concrete systems to smart city solutions, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) innovations, and advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools, all reshaping how Nigeria builds for the future.”
A major highlight was the keynote by Quantity Surveyor Bamidele Mafimidiwo, titled ‘Redefining Value: The Evolving Role of the Quantity Surveyor’.
He challenged professionals to move beyond traditional cost roles and embrace sustainability, tech integration, and financial transparency. “We are no longer just cost estimators, we are value creators,” he asserted.
Mafimidiwo emphasised that sustainability must now permeate every stage of construction from design to demolition. “True sustainability considers lifecycle costing, green certifications, and resilience against climate shocks,” he said,
While referencing Lagos’ recent floods as evidence of the need for infrastructure built to withstand extreme weather.
He also championed digital transformation through BIM, AI, digital twins, IoT, and blockchain, noting, “BIM alone has revolutionised planning. With 3D to 5D modelling, we can visualise, estimate, and optimise projects before a brick is laid.”
However, he warned that challenges such as high adoption costs and skill gaps continue to hinder widespread implementation.
Meanwhile, Heijmans reiterated dmg events’ long-term commitment to Nigeria’s development goals stating that Nigeria needs over 20 million housing units and significant infrastructure expansion.
Our mission is to keep bringing in the expertise and innovation required to meet those goals,” she said.
On his part, Director of Education at the Green Building Council Nigeria,(GBCN), Architect Emmanuel Falude, criticised the reactive urban development patterns in Nigerian cities. “We face a paradox millions have homes, yet most are unlivable or unsustainable due to poor planning and maintenance,” he said,
He further warned that unless urban infrastructure, public health, and environmental resilience were urgently improved, Nigeria’s population growth could escalate into a socioeconomic crisis.
