Housing experts have called on stakeholders across the sector’s value chain to adopt sustainable housing models that promote efficient waste management, particularly in rapidly expanding urban centres.
They noted that as cities grow, the need for sound regulations and effective waste disposal systems becomes increasingly critical. Dean of the School of Environmental Studies, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Dr Adesina Aladeloba, made the call at the 2025 yearly lecture and awards of the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN), themed “The Place of Waste Management in Relation to the Lagos State Government’s THEME+ Agenda and the Role of Private Sector Operators.”
Aladeloba said sustainability measures should enhance occupiers’ well-being, strengthen environmental regulations, and improve land and property registration. He listed the benefits of sustainable housing models to include reduced energy consumption, higher property values, improved quality of life, and better project delivery.
Delivering a paper on “Sustainability in Modern Housing and Urban Development,” he noted that while many regulations already exist, new laws and stronger enforcement are needed across all jurisdictions. He also advocated eco-friendly homes incorporating solar panels, natural ventilation, and locally sourced materials such as bamboo and palm wood.
Highlighting the role of green architecture, he observed that modern house designs in Nigeria increasingly integrate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and eco-conscious interior design trends that reduce environmental impact.
Aladeloba further urged stronger private sector participation, stressing that the government alone cannot address the sector’s waste challenges. He pointed out that buildings account for about one-third of total greenhouse gas emissions, but those with sustainable features are not only environmentally friendly but also cheaper to maintain.
Former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Toyin Ayinde, who chaired the event, explained that while developed countries generate more waste, they also recycle more, up to 29 per cent compared to Nigeria and other African countries, where rates remain as low as three to six per cent.
Citing Singapore as a model, Ayinde noted that the country established a construction academy in 2010 to promote zero-waste practices, ensuring that even demolished buildings are fully reused. He urged Nigeria to adopt similar measures.
Earlier, PEWAN Chairman, Mrs Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, described Lagos as one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, with its population projected to hit 30 million by 2035. She warned that poor waste management poses far-reaching consequences, including health risks, urban decay, reduced investment in housing, and economic setbacks.
She stressed that the private sector can play a vital role by deploying expertise, technology, and resources to improve waste collection, transportation, and disposal, while also creating jobs, stimulating growth, and supporting a sustainable housing sector.
