In a bold move toward sustainable development, the Federal Government has announced plans to utilize bamboo plants exclusively in the construction of affordable and durable smart houses for low- and medium-income earners across Nigeria.
The initiative was disclosed on Wednesday, June 11, by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, during a one-day capacity-building workshop held in Abuja.
The workshop focused on the relevance of bamboo in climate-smart housing construction and the integration of Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
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Represented by the Director of Environmental Science Technology, Mrs. Benadette Oguche, Mrs. Asanye highlighted that bamboo, when combined with other proven green technologies, offers a scalable and environmentally sustainable solution to Nigeria’s growing housing deficit.
“This move aligns with our national vision to tackle housing challenges using innovative, eco-friendly materials. Bamboo is not only renewable but also possesses the strength, flexibility, and thermal efficiency needed for modern smart housing,” she stated.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the NBRRI—an agency under the ministry—is leading efforts to integrate green building solutions into Nigeria’s housing sector. This includes developing and deploying technologies that support the exclusive use of bamboo in climate-smart housing models.
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Mrs. Asanye further emphasized that adopting bamboo in construction will help reduce the nation’s carbon footprint while ensuring housing projects remain cost-effective, adaptable, and suitable for Nigeria’s climate.
She acknowledged, however, that the journey is not without challenges. “We are aware of the barriers, such as high initial capital costs and the inconsistent supply of raw bamboo materials. But through workshops like this and continued stakeholder collaboration, we are optimistic about overcoming these hurdles.”
The workshop brought together experts, researchers, and policymakers to explore strategies for promoting bamboo as a mainstream building material and to discuss the role of NBRRI technologies in ensuring a greener and more inclusive future for housing in Nigeria.