Nigeria imports 80% of building materials, architects must lead research to reduce dependence, says TETFund boss
Sonny Echono, executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, says architects, especially female practitioners, should take the lead in research efforts that will address Nigeria’s housing deficit and reduce the country’s dependence on imported building materials.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) to the TETFund headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Echono said the agency is ready to support research and innovation that delivers affordable, aesthetically pleasing and climate-responsive homes.
Echono said TETFund’s mandate through the national research fund is no longer limited to universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, but had been expanded to accommodate research from all strata of society.
“Basically, that fund is intended to promote, to facilitate, to activate all research and innovation efforts regardless of source,” he said.
He explained that the Fund has been structured to put intellectual content into major research works and to build partnerships that can translate research into practical solutions for national problems.
He expressed concern that nearly 80 percent of building materials used in Nigeria are still imported, a situation he described as unsustainable.
While acknowledging that architects have made progress in areas such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, Echono noted that on a global scale the country was still importing doors, windows and other key inputs.
“Research into locally sourced and available building materials is something that will help us transform our building industry if we are able and will retain the wealth in this country and will create millions of jobs for our people,” Echono said.
He urged FAN members and the wider built environment community to take interest in TETFund-funded research to provide solutions in that area.
Echono announced that TETFund will host a national research fair in November this year at Eagle Square in Abuja and called on architects to showcase innovations.
Earlier in her address, Ene Agada, chairperson of FAN, commended the TETFUND executive secretary for his contributions to education and research.
Agada presented Echono with the FAN award of excellence in recognition of his outstanding performance in public service and support for female architects.
Agada said FAN was committed to advancing excellence in architecture with focus on women empowerment, housing delivery, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
“We recognize and appreciate TETFUND’s pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy — by supporting education, research, and capacity development in ways that translate into measurable development outcomes,” she said.
She added that FAN was seeking partnership with TETFund in areas that align with the Fund’s mandate.
“It is, therefore, in the spirit of partnership, shared vision, and impact that FAN has come before you today. We seek collaboration with TETFUND in areas where our members’ expertise, professional networks, and training strengths align with TETFUND’s mandate and funding instruments,” Agada stated.
