The fifth edition of Big 5 Construct Nigeria opened on September 23 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.
According to organisers, the event is marking its largest outing to date with over 161 exhibitors expected from more than 20 countries. The three-day exhibition, which runs until September 25, is expected to draw more than 10,000 industry professionals seeking solutions to support Nigeria’s $12 billion construction sector.
On the first day of the event, activities went beyond the showcase of advanced technologies and building solutions. There were conversations that underscored pressing issues facing Nigeria’s construction industry. From the need for stronger policy implementation to promoting sustainability and addressing the housing deficit.
Policy and regulatory reforms
At one of the Big 5 Talks sessions, Emeka Azuh, a builder and technical adviser at 7Fifteen Capital Limited, emphasized the importance of government action in shaping a more resilient construction industry.
“Some policies already exist that can positively benefit the industry, but the key challenge is implementation,” Azuh said. “For those that do not exist, we must be conscious of developing or reviewing what we have in ways that can positively impact the industry.”
Azuh pointed to fuel costs as a direct and indirect driver of construction expenses and called for stronger regulatory bodies. “In some countries, building codes are embedded into law, so contractors know exactly what must be followed. Giving our regulators similar strength will be a big step forward,” he added.
He also dismissed doubts about Nigeria’s capacity, noting that local professionals are “performing up to standard, and in many cases even exceed what is obtained internationally. It’s just a matter of repackaging and projecting what we already have.”
Industry innovation and local manufacturing
On the exhibition floor, Diemo Schillack, General Manager of Abumet Nigeria, highlighted his company’s role in promoting sustainability while maintaining local production.
“We are trying to convince people to go to sustainability and environmental protection,” Schillack explained. “We have insulated glass and thermal insulated profiles to make buildings more energy efficient. Everything we do is fabricated locally in Abuja, where we employ about 300 people and run a 6,000-square-meter facility.”
Abumet, a long-time exhibitor at the fair, also displayed specialized products such as fire-resistant and bulletproof glass, mainly serving embassies, ministries, and high-security buildings.
Read also: SANY to Showcase Cutting-Edge Construction Machinery at Big 5 Construct Nigeria 2025
Healthy living spaces and well-being
From a policy and design perspective, Patrick Ogunleye, an architect with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, urged greater attention to the health impacts of the built environment.
“Statistically, people spend more time indoors than outdoors, which means we can’t be careless about how we plan, build, and maintain our living spaces,” Ogunleye said. “Ventilation, natural lighting, use of safe materials, and noise reduction are critical. Otherwise, we risk compromising both physical and mental health.”
He added that poor planning, substandard materials, and inadequate maintenance are common mistakes in construction that must be addressed to ensure Nigerians live in healthier, more natural environments.
Organizers say this year’s edition is not just about showcasing products but also about driving conversations that align Nigeria’s construction sector with long-term economic and social development goals.
“Over the next three days, Big 5 Construct Nigeria will connect thousands of industry professionals with the expertise, products and partnerships needed to advance Nigeria’s construction and housing priorities,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President at DMG events.
With discussions spanning sustainability, leadership, cost management, and new building technologies, the event highlights Nigeria’s construction challenges. It also underscores the sector’s potential to set new benchmarks for the industry in West Africa.
The event also featured local players such as Lafarge Africa, Dalal Steel, C. Woermann, Julius Berger Nigeria, CDK Industries, and Berger Paints, Abumet, and Sany Nigeria, among others.
Foreign exhibitors included NAFFCO from the UAE, DeWalt from the US, Asian Paints from India, and Chinese exhibitors such as Chunguang Hardware, Shandong Hongchang Metal, and Shandong Deyijia Sealant Industry, among others.