The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has urged Nigeria’s construction industry to embrace emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Data Analytics, and Cloud Collaboration to drive efficiency, transparency, and innovation in project delivery.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has urged Nigeria’s construction industry to embrace emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Data Analytics, and Cloud Collaboration to drive efficiency, transparency, and innovation in project delivery.
Delivering a keynote titled “Digital Transformation in the Nigerian Construction Industry” at a two-day workshop organised by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), FCT Chapter, Inuwa said the future of the sector depends on transitioning “from blueprints to bytes.” The event, themed “Policy Shifts and Industry Trends”, served as a platform to chart a digital roadmap for the construction ecosystem.
Represented by Dr. Yahaya Onimisi, Acting Director of Project Management, the NITDA boss explained that the adoption of digital tools is not an optional upgrade but “a necessary foundation for the future.” According to him, these technologies provide a pathway to boost productivity, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen accuracy in project management across the value chain.
“As the urgent need for modernisation becomes more apparent, the future of construction lies in digital transformation. By embracing innovation, Nigeria’s Quantity Surveyors can drive smarter, faster, and more transparent infrastructure development,” Inuwa said.
He identified persistent sector challenges—including project delays, cost overruns, and resistance to change—and described digital transformation as both a disruption and an opportunity. He further noted that innovation would reposition Nigerian Quantity Surveyors from routine cost measurement to strategic, data-driven roles.
“Digital transformation is not merely about adopting new technology but about fundamentally changing business processes, culture, and skills to leverage the opportunities of the digital age,” he added.
Inuwa called for stronger collaboration between NITDA and NIQS, stressing areas such as capacity building, policy alignment, innovation labs, and the creation of a construction-specific digital transformation roadmap aligned with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0.
Referencing the agency’s ongoing partnerships with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), he expressed optimism that with strategic investments, government support, and professional development, the construction industry could unlock new opportunities and achieve smarter project management outcomes.
“By embracing a mindset of continuous learning, investing strategically in technology, and fostering strong collaborations with stakeholders, Nigerian Quantity Surveyors can not only survive the technological disruption but also thrive in the evolving industry landscape,” Inuwa concluded.