Enhancing Construction in Nigeria: The Role of Quantity Surveyors in Driving Circular Economy Benefits

Written by

Abiodun Ayinde

 

The circular economy is an evolving economic principle that dates back to the eighties and has gained momentum due to the impacts of climate, resource scarcity and high waste generation by countries. Economies of the world have started incorporating this model into their environment because of the estimated economic benefits.

The circular economy is an economic model which focuses beyond the lifecycle stages of products through sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, recycling and composting. The circular economy is akin to a system of waste minimization by reintroducing products into the economy. This approach contrasts with the linear economy where products are disposed of at the end of their life cycle.

Nigeria generates huge waste from every facet of its environment with little or no means to recoup it for meaningful purposes. The circular economy would benefit a nation that produces over 32 million metric tonnes of waste annually through an effective and efficient waste management system. The country’s informal waste disposal (manual sorting and extracting) sector handles about 60 percent of this waste, while established bodies regulate just above 12 percent. Construction activities contribute significantly to unregulated waste due to diverse sources of materials, knowledge gaps, and inadequate state waste management systems.

Nigeria's construction sector, valued at $105.8 billion in 2023, is expected to grow annually by 3.2 percent until 2026. The sector relies heavily on imported materials from China, India, and the USA, accounting for around 70 percent of its value. The remaining 30 percent is locally produced, mainly by cement and steel organizations. A circular economy could reduce this dependence on imports by promoting the reuse of locally sourced materials.

A circular economy promotes a resilient and sustainable society by reducing carbon footprints, enhancing material efficiency, and moderating energy consumption through renewable resources. In Nigeria, the circular economy could lead to reduced material costs, lower energy consumption, decreased construction waste, and lower lifecycle costs in the construction sector, all crucial in a country heavily reliant on imports.

The construction industry is key to realizing a circular economy due to its significant role in Nigeria’s economic growth. Integrating this model during the planning and design stages is essential. Quantity surveyors (QS) should actively ensure minimal carbon footprints and efficient waste management throughout construction. The QS’s proactive involvement will lead to cost savings in waste handling and disposal, promote the use of efficient and reliable energy resources, and encourage the repurposing of materials.


References

Babatunde, F., 2023. Nigeria falls among 30 countries with the worst waste management practices. [Online]
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Ellen MacArthur Foundation, n.d. Circular economy introduction. [Online]
Available at: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
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Environmental Protection Agency, 2024. Circular Economy. [Online]
Available at: https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy/what-circular-economy
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European Parliament, 2023. Circular economy: definition, importance and benefits. [Online]
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Globaldata, 2024. Nigeria Construction Market Size, Trend Analysis by Sector, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2028 – Q2 Update. [Online]
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International Trade Administration, 2023. Nigeria - Country Commercial Guide. [Online]
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Ismail, G., 2024. 70% of building materials imported – NIESV. [Online]
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