The federal government has announced plans to build smart homes using only bamboo as the main material. These homes will be affordable and strong, targeting low and medium-income earners across Nigeria.
This plan was revealed on Wednesday, June 11, in Abuja by Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye. She is the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
She explained that bamboo, when combined with new building methods, can help solve Nigeria’s growing housing problems in an environmentally safe way.
Green Building to Meet Nigeria’s Housing Demand
Mrs. Asanye was represented by the Director of Environmental Science Technology, Mrs. Benadette Oguche, during a one-day capacity building workshop. The event was titled “The Relevance of Bamboo for Climate-Smart Housing Construction.” It also focused on integrating Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) technologies to lower Nigeria’s carbon footprint.
She stated that bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource. It can serve as an effective material for building homes that are not only climate-friendly but also comfortable. She said, “Using only bamboo for smart houses will help us build in a way that supports the environment while making homes comfortable and affordable.”
The use of bamboo, she explained, is not new. Many Asian and African countries are already using it to build cost-effective housing. With rising prices in Nigeria’s construction sector, this idea could provide a stable and long-term solution.
Challenges and Opportunities in Bamboo Housing
According to the Permanent Secretary, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute is leading efforts to promote green housing. The agency is working on several models of bamboo housing. These homes are being designed to suit Nigeria’s climate and economic conditions.
She acknowledged that there are some issues to solve, including the high cost of starting bamboo construction projects and getting a steady supply of bamboo across all regions. She also noted the need to train workers on how to use bamboo properly and build homes that last.
However, Mrs Oguche believes workshops like this one are important for building skills and knowledge. She added that the federal government would continue to support research and training to expand the bamboo housing plan.
The government’s move comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling to afford homes. Rising cement prices, currency instability, and inflation have pushed the cost of building materials beyond reach for most people. Bamboo homes could bring construction costs down, and make it possible for more Nigerians to own homes.
Some attendees at the workshop also spoke about the benefits of bamboo. It grows quickly and stores carbon, they say, which helps fight climate change.
It also requires less energy to process compared to cement or steel. Some states in Nigeria, like Cross River and Ogun, already have natural bamboo forests that could supply raw materials.
The government is also expected to support farmers who grow bamboo commercially, making it a part of Nigeria’s wider economic and environmental plan.
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