The Federal Government has announced plans to construct smart, eco-friendly houses using bamboo plants as the primary building material. This initiative targets low and medium-income earners across the country.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 11, in Abuja by Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Represented by Mrs. Benadette Oguche, Director of Environmental Science Technology, she addressed participants at a one-day workshop focused on climate-smart housing construction.
Mrs. Asanye explained that bamboo, when combined with other proven technologies, offers a sustainable and scalable way to address Nigeria’s growing housing demands without harming the environment. She added that the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), an agency under the ministry, is leading this effort using green building solutions.
She stressed that the exclusive use of bamboo will not only support environmental protection but also offer adaptable and cost-effective housing options for Nigerians who fall within the lower and middle-income brackets.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged potential challenges such as high upfront costs and inconsistent raw material supply. However, she expressed confidence that the training from the workshop would help tackle these issues and push the project forward.
The smart bamboo housing plan is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable development while meeting the housing needs of a rapidly growing population.
