The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an ambitious initiative to construct affordable, durable, and environmentally sustainable smart houses for low- and medium-income earners, utilizing bamboo as a primary building material. Announced by Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, during a capacity-building workshop in Abuja on June 11, 2025, this program is spearheaded by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI). The initiative aims to address Nigeria’s escalating housing deficit while promoting eco-friendly construction practices that align with global sustainability goals.
Bamboo, recognized for its strength, versatility and rapid renewability, is at the core of this housing strategy. The material’s eco-friendly properties make it an ideal choice for reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects, as bamboo sequesters carbon dioxide and requires minimal processing compared to traditional materials like concrete and steel. NBRRI’s adoption of bamboo is part of a broader effort to integrate proven, climate-smart technologies that ensure affordability, durability, and adaptability to Nigeria’s diverse environmental conditions, including flood-prone and arid regions.
The workshop, themed “Capacity Building on Bamboo as a Versatile Material for Climate-Smart Housing Construction in Nigeria,” highlighted bamboo’s potential to revolutionize the housing sector. Mrs. Asanye emphasized that the initiative is not only about providing shelter but also about creating homes that are comfortable, resilient, and cost-effective for low- and medium-income households. By leveraging bamboo’s natural properties, such as its tensile strength and resistance to environmental stressors, the government aims to deliver housing solutions that meet the needs of millions while preserving natural resources for future generations.
The use of bamboo in construction is not a novel concept globally, but its application in Nigeria’s housing sector marks a significant step toward sustainable development. Bamboo’s rapid growth cycle—reaching maturity in three to five years compared to decades for traditional timber—makes it a renewable resource that can be cultivated locally, reducing reliance on imported materials. The initiative also includes plans to train local artisans and builders in bamboo construction techniques, fostering job creation and skill development across the country.
Despite its promise, the adoption of bamboo-based housing faces challenges, as highlighted during the workshop. High initial capital costs for establishing bamboo processing facilities and an unstable supply of raw materials due to limited large-scale cultivation were identified as key hurdles. The government, through NBRRI, is exploring partnerships with private sector stakeholders and international organizations to address these issues and scale up bamboo production to meet the demands of the housing program.
The smart housing initiative also incorporates advanced technologies to enhance livability. These homes will feature energy-efficient designs, such as solar-powered systems and water recycling mechanisms, tailored to the needs of low- and medium-income families. By integrating these innovations, the government aims to create homes that are not only affordable but also equipped to withstand Nigeria’s diverse climatic challenges, from heavy rainfall in the south to extreme heat in the north.
Mrs. Asanye underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring the initiative’s success, noting that bamboo-based housing aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive development and environmental stewardship. The program is expected to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at 28 million units, by providing cost-effective alternatives to conventional construction methods. Additionally, the use of locally sourced bamboo is anticipated to stimulate rural economies, as farmers can cultivate the plant on a commercial scale, creating a sustainable supply chain.
Stakeholders at the workshop, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the African Bamboo Construction Company, praised the initiative’s potential to transform the housing landscape. They emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to promote bamboo’s benefits and dispel misconceptions about its durability compared to traditional materials. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, research institutions, and private partners will be critical to overcoming logistical challenges and ensuring the program’s scalability.
The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under international frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to affordable housing (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13). By prioritizing bamboo, the government is taking a proactive stance on reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional construction. The program’s success could position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable housing solutions in Africa, setting a model for other nations with similar socioeconomic and environmental challenges.
To ensure the initiative’s long-term viability, NBRRI is conducting research to optimize bamboo processing and treatment methods, ensuring the material meets international standards for structural integrity. Pilot projects are already underway in select states, with plans to expand nationwide once the supply chain and technical expertise are fully developed. These pilot homes will serve as demonstrations of bamboo’s potential, showcasing its aesthetic appeal and functionality to prospective homeowners and investors.
The government is also exploring incentives, such as subsidies and low-interest loans, to encourage private developers to adopt bamboo-based construction. By reducing financial barriers, the initiative aims to attract investment from both local and international stakeholders, further accelerating the delivery of affordable housing. Mrs. Asanye called on state governments to partner with the federal initiative, emphasizing that a collaborative approach is essential to achieving nationwide impact.
