The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to establish Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, in a strategic move aimed at increasing local production, lowering construction costs and improving access to affordable housing.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, made this known on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Abuja, while declaring open the 56th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB).
The conference is being held under the theme, “Repositioning the Building Profession: Advocacy and Policy Influence on Housing Delivery for a Sustainable Built Environment.”
Senator Akume explained that the proposed manufacturing hubs would strengthen domestic supply chains, encourage local industries and make essential building materials more readily available to Nigerians at affordable prices.
He called on members of the Nigerian Institute of Builders to bring their professional expertise, research capabilities and industry experience to bear on government policies and programmes, from the planning stage through to implementation.
According to the SGF, the initiative is consistent with the objectives of
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe, durable, sustainable and affordable housing.
Senator Akume stressed that housing should not be viewed merely as the provision of physical structures, but as an essential component of human dignity, family stability, safety, wealth creation and improved living standards.
He consequently urged the NIOB to continue promoting professionalism within the building industry, with competence, ethical conduct and public confidence serving as key pillars of the profession.
The SGF expressed concern over the dangers posed by poor supervision, the use of inferior building materials, construction shortcuts, corruption and the activities of unqualified practitioners. He warned that such practices could lead to structural failures, loss of lives and destruction of valuable investments.
He urged the Institute to strengthen public enlightenment on the consequences of quackery and advised qualified builders against allowing their names or professional seals to be used on projects they did not personally supervise.
Speaking on the challenge of housing affordability, Senator Akume acknowledged that the rising cost of construction materials and services continues to make home ownership difficult for many Nigerians.
He therefore advocated stronger cooperation among professionals in the built environment and encouraged the adoption of cost-effective designs, greater reliance on locally produced materials, bulk purchasing, waste reduction, modern construction techniques, transparent bills of quantities and stronger local supply chains.
The SGF also encouraged Nigerian builders to take advantage of the numerous infrastructure projects currently being undertaken by the Federal Government.
He disclosed that more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads are currently undergoing construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation across the country. Among the projects highlighted were the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road and the East-West Road.
Senator Akume challenged professionals in the building sector to actively participate in the country’s ongoing development rather than remain observers.
He urged them to form professional consortia, establish transparent and auditable quality-management systems, train and certify artisans, and position themselves to compete for opportunities in housing development, transportation infrastructure, public facilities and other local-content projects.
The SGF further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to making housing and construction development a national priority, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is designed to deliver meaningful development across the country without discrimination based on political considerations.
He recalled President Tinubu’s vision of a Nigeria that is “secure, prosperous, inclusive, and respected worldwide,” and called on building professionals to play their part in making that vision a reality.
Senator Akume urged the Nigerian Institute of Builders to translate the Renewed Hope Agenda into practical outcomes by promoting professional ethics, safer construction sites, durable buildings and affordable housing for Nigerians.
He congratulated the NIOB on its 56th Conference and Annual General Meeting and expressed optimism that the deliberations would generate workable solutions for improving housing delivery, professional standards and the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s built environment.
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