Industry experts, policymakers, and investors in Nigeria’s built environment have called for comprehensive policy reforms to accelerate the adoption of technology in the nation’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
The call precedes BUILDMACEX 2026, West Africa’s largest construction exhibition, scheduled to take place from April 22 to 24, 2026, in Lagos.
Organised by Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Limited, the three-day event will spotlight the role of digital innovation, sustainable design, and policy harmonisation in modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure and real estate landscapes.
Speaking at a media briefing, Event Manager at Atlantic Exhibition, Vivian Sesi Godonuve, said the exhibition has evolved beyond a trade fair to become a platform for dialogue on how technology and innovation can redefine structural design and the built environment across West Africa.
Godonuve noted that embracing technology has become critical to bridging the infrastructural gap and boosting efficiency in project delivery, especially as Nigeria faces rising urbanisation and increasing demand for affordable housing.
She said the sector must align with global trends by investing in digital design systems, automation, and smart construction technologies.
She added that digital construction will not only reduce project costs and timelines but also enhance transparency and accountability, two key factors that have hindered infrastructural progress in many developing economies.
She disclosed that the 2026 edition would prioritise conversations on green building standards, renewable energy integration, and digital construction tools, alongside live demonstrations and technical masterclasses that showcase the practical applications of emerging technologies.
According to her, the exhibition will also provide valuable insights into policy trends, sustainability practices, and urban development strategies shaping the future of infrastructure, while serving as a marketplace for partnerships and solutions that enhance productivity.
Godonuve said: “This has become a platform for dialogue on how technology and innovation can redefine structural design and the built environment in West Africa,” she noted.
“The exhibition will also provide valuable insights into policy trends, sustainability practices, and urban development strategies that are influencing the future of infrastructure.
“Beyond learning, it will offer a platform to build strategic partnerships that can drive large-scale projects across Africa, while also serving as a marketplace for sourcing solutions that enhance productivity.”