The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called on Nigeria’s construction industry to shift “from blueprints to bytes” by adopting digital technologies capable of transforming project delivery, boosting productivity, and driving innovation.
Speaking in a keynote address 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 represented by Dr. Yahaya Onimisi, Acting Director of Project Management outlined the tools of this digital revolution. The event, themed “Policy Shifts and Industry Trends”, served as a platform to reinforce NITDA’s call for modernisation.
He stressed that technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Data Analytics, and Cloud Collaboration are not optional upgrades but essential foundations for the sector’s future. According to him, their adoption would improve service delivery, enhance accuracy, and create smarter project management systems across the entire construction value chain.
“As the urgent need for modernisation becomes clearer, the future of construction lies in digital transformation. By embracing innovation, Nigeria’s Quantity Surveyors can deliver smarter, faster, and more transparent infrastructure development,” Inuwa said.
Acknowledging the sector’s persistent challenges including project delays, cost overruns, inefficiencies, and resistance to change he described digital transformation as both a disruption and an opportunity. He added that embracing 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 reshaping business processes, culture, and skills to maximise the opportunities of the digital age,” he noted.
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Inuwa also called for stronger partnerships between NITDA and NIQS to fast-track digital adoption. He outlined areas for collaboration such as capacity building, policy alignment, innovation labs, and the creation of a sector-specific digital roadmap aligned with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0.
Citing NITDA’s collaborations with professional bodies including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), he maintained that with the right investments, government backing, and continuous professional development, Nigeria’s construction industry could unlock new opportunities, enhance transparency, and deliver smarter project outcomes.
“By cultivating a mindset of continuous learning, investing strategically in technology, and fostering strong stakeholder partnerships, Nigerian Quantity Surveyors can not only withstand technological disruption but also thrive in the evolving industry landscape,” he concluded.
