The federal government (FG) says it is embarking on building affordable and durable smart houses for low- and medium-income earners across the country using only bamboo plants.
FG said bamboo with other proven technologies can provide a scalable solution to the housing needs of Nigeria’s growing population without exploitation of the environment.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, added that the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) Technologies, an agency under the ministry, is embarking on solving the diverse needs within Nigeria’s housing sector using green technologies, and that’s include using only bamboo plant for smart houses.
Esuabana explained that by adopting only bamboo plants for smart houses Nigeria will not only promote environmental sustainability but also ensure that the construction process aligns with principles of adaptability, comfort and affordability for both low- and medium-income earners in the country.
However, industry experts are sounding a note of caution, citing concerns about the feasibility and scalability of the policy.
While, bamboo is a remarkable resource, with properties that make it an attractive alternative to traditional building materials and its rapid growth rate, carbon-absorbing capabilities, and tensile strength, which rivals that of steel, make it a promising material for lightweight construction, the government’s enthusiasm for bamboo housing must be matched with a comprehensive approach to ensure the policy’s success.
Jennifer Odii, founder of the Real Estate Stakeholders Support Initiative and chief executive of Odinga J Global, a prominent real estate firm in Nigeria pointed to the success of countries like India and Vietnam, which have experimented with bamboo housing, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate-related disasters. “These countries have shown that bamboo can be a viable option for sustainable and resilient housing. However, to turn this vision into a reality, we need massive investment in the entire value chain, from plantations to processing plants and logistics. We also need to establish national standards, building codes, and inspection systems specific to bamboo construction to guarantee safety and build trust among potential users.”
One of the biggest challenges for the country will be building capacity and training professionals in bamboo construction and also investment in research and development to improve the durability and sustainability of bamboo housing. Ms. Odii highlighted the importance of addressing potential regulatory and policy hurdles. “We need to work with policymakers to develop incentives and regulations that support the use of bamboo in construction,” she said. “We also need to ensure that bamboo housing is integrated into national development plans and strategies.”
