To compete globally, Nigerian builders have been urged to champion a new philosophy — one that redefines how homes are conceived, built, and maintained.

A Lagos-based real estate company, Criterion Homes Limited, which gave the advice during a media briefing yesterday, said builders must strategically address critical issues by focusing on international partnerships, technology, professional development, and quality to become competitive on the world stage.

Founder and Chief Executive of the firm, Hakeem Bakare, said Nigeria has the talent, materials, and market potential to build world-class homes, but what’s missing is a consistent standard rooted in integrity, sustainability, and long-term value.

“In every industry, there are standards — and then there’s the criterion. “If Nigerian builders are to compete globally, we must build for performance, not pretence. A home should not just look good today; it must perform well for decades,” he said.

Bakare said the country’s developers must start prioritising intentional design and sustainable construction practices over speed and profit margins, noting that while many buildings in Nigeria are visually impressive, they often fall short of durability and environmental responsibility.

“Our problem is not capacity, but philosophy.

“We’ve mastered how to build fast, but now we must learn how to build right.

“Builders who succeed globally are those who see quality as non-negotiable, who make sustainability part of their structure, and who treat integrity as part of their brand,” Balogun further said.

He, however, emphasised that the future of building lies in environmental awareness. He, therefore, expressed confidence that with consistent standards, Nigerian architecture can rival the best anywhere in the world.