The low quality of construction in Nigeria is a result of systemic issues and widespread deceit within the industry. Speaking the truth about these challenges is difficult, but the reality is undeniable: building standards are extremely low.

Key Issues Affecting Quality

1. Poor Design & Planning

   • Lack of adherence to proper architectural and urban planning principles.
   • Many projects proceed without thorough design reviews or regulatory oversight.

2. Unskilled Workforce & Outdated Construction Methods

   • The majority of tradespeople lack proper training, leading to subpar workmanship.
   • Traditional, inefficient construction methods persist without innovation.

3. Flawed Procurement Process

   • Widespread use of substandard materials, many of which are imported with little to no quality control.
   • The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) plays a silent role, failing to enforce strict regulations.

4. Lack of Regulatory Oversight

   • Building control offices at the local authority level rarely conduct inspections, leaving projects unmonitored.
   • Corruption within regulatory agencies allows for non-compliance with construction standards.

The Result?

Without proper checks and balances, Nigeria’s construction industry operates like a jungle—disorganized, unregulated, and driven by short-term profit rather than long-term quality. Until planning, enforcement, and material standards improve, the built environment will continue to suffer.

The quality of work in Nigeria’s construction industry varies significantly between top-tier and bottom-tier contractors, largely due to differences in funding, professionalism, and adherence to standards.

Top-Tier Contractors

• Receive full professional fees and work under structured contracts that ensure all work is paid for.
• Employ highly skilled professionals who follow specifications outlined in design documents.
• Deliver superior quality projects because they have the resources to invest in the right materials, talent, and processes.
• Maintain professional integrity, ensuring that every new item is documented and accounted for.

Bottom-Tier Contractors

• Face underpayment and contract violations, with clients often dictating unfair terms (e.g., “take it or leave it” pricing).
• Work under conditions where consultants are ignored or bullied, and project specifications are rarely followed.
• Lack innovation or motivation to improve, as there is no financial incentive or accountability.
• Operate under the “this is how we do it” mentality, resisting expert input and best practices.
• Rely on substandard workmanship, ultimately compromising the quality of buildings.

A First-Hand Experience

On a detached building project, I met with a tiler to explain the staircase specifications, but he dismissed my guidance, claiming, “I’ve been tiling for over 20 years, this is how we do it.” Four days later, he returned, and I had to re-explain the specification to ensure the job was done correctly.

Who Loses in the End?

The clients, the next generation, and the environment suffer the most, as the bulk of construction projects fall into this bottom-tier category. Until there is a shift in mindset, better enforcement of building standards, and fair compensation for professional services, Nigeria’s built environment will continue to struggle with poor quality and inefficiencies.

OO&C has successfully delivered high-quality designs and constructions in Nigeria through collaboration with other consultants.

What Sets OO&C Apart?

A review of our projects reveals that common construction issues in Nigeria—such as poor circulation, inadequate daylight, lack of ventilation, misplaced doors, cramped visitor toilets, insufficient bathrooms, absence of gardens, dark facades, inadequate parking, and poorly designed kitchens—are not present in our builds.

Why?

The reason is simple:

• We adhere to town planning guidelines
• We follow the client’s brief with precision
• We implement a strong architectural concept that prioritizes functionality, comfort, and aesthetics

By maintaining these principles, OO&C consistently delivers quality-built environments that enhance both livability and sustainability.

In Nigeria, high-quality windows are typically reserved for corporate clients and wealthy individuals who are willing to pay a premium for locally sourced or imported products. However, over 90% of windows in Lagos State fail to meet essential performance standards, including:

• Daylight optimization
• Ventilation efficiency
• Sound insulation
• Thermal insulation
• Security

Market Dynamics & Challenges

1. Domination by Foreign Manufacturers

   • The mid-market is largely controlled by Lebanese and Chinese suppliers, who offer better window profiles at higher prices.
   • Local Nigerian fabricators, on the other hand, continue producing outdated, low-quality designs, with little innovation.

2. Client Reluctance to Pay for Quality

   • Many clients opt for the cheapest available options, despite the long-term disadvantages.
   • Poor decision-making leads to repeat purchases—I’ve seen customers replacing their windows twice in ten years before realizing that investing in quality upfront is more cost-effective.

The Result?

Until there is a willingness to invest in higher standards, Nigeria will remain flooded with substandard windows that compromise comfort, energy efficiency, and security.

The planning challenges in Nigeria can be categorized into two key issues:

1. Non-Compliance by Architects
   Many client-appointed architects blatantly disregard planning laws, leading to poorly regulated developments. This lack of adherence to regulations contributes to the haphazard growth of the built environment.

2. Corruption and Inefficiency in Local Authorities
   Some local authority planners prioritize personal gain over professional duty, accepting bribes instead of enforcing proper planning regulations. While not all planners are complacent, this unethical practice severely undermines urban planning and development.

The Impact on the Built Environment

As a result of these challenges, Nigeria faces an urban planning disaster that is already affecting daily life. Poor planning decisions lead to:

• Inadequate ventilation – Buildings lack proper airflow, affecting indoor air quality.
• Loss of green spaces – Gardens and open areas are sacrificed, reducing environmental quality.
• Parking shortages – Poor spatial planning results in congestion and disorganized urban spaces.

Ultimately, the quality of living suffers, as these fundamental aspects of good design are neglected. Without urgent reforms, the built environment in Nigeria will continue to deteriorate, making sustainable urban development increasingly difficult.

No. Building control officers in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, are largely absent and ineffective during the construction process. If they were actively involved, the poor state of the built environment would not be as severe as it is today.

The Consequences of Their Absence

• Lack of oversight leads to non-compliance with building regulations.
• There is no institutional knowledge transfer, meaning new consultants do not benefit from experienced guidance.
• Poor construction practices persist without enforcement or accountability.

The Role of Building Control Officers (Globally)

In well-regulated markets, building control officers:

1. Ensure compliance with building regulations across all non-exempt developments.
2. Review and approve architectural plans, specifications, and other documents before construction begins.
3. Conduct site inspections throughout the building process to enforce safety and quality standards.
4. Actively engage in the design stage, offering valuable technical input to improve project outcomes.

The Reality in Nigeria

In contrast, Nigerian building control officers rarely perform these duties, allowing substandard construction to thrive. Without strict enforcement and proactive engagement, the industry will continue to suffer from structural failures, safety hazards, and poor-quality builds.

Traditionally, Nigerians in the diaspora entrusted family members with funds to build homes in their absence. While some were fortunate to see their projects completed, many faced serious issues, including:

• Poor workmanship and substandard finishes
• Flawed designs that didn’t meet their taste or requirements
• Significant cost overruns, sometimes beyond the family’s control
• Zero oversight from local authorities, allowing for unchecked construction errors

How to Protect Your Investment

To avoid these pitfalls, follow these steps:

1. Leverage Your Network – Ask trusted contacts for recommendations on reliable professionals.
2. Hire an Independent Professional – Employ a third-party consultant to inspect and certify each stage of construction on your behalf.

How OO&C Can Help

At OO&C, we have successfully completed projects for clients living abroad and received consistent positive feedback. We ensure:
✅ Transparent project management
✅ Strict quality control at every stage
✅ Regular updates and documentation

Contact us today, and we’d be happy to provide references and showcase our work.

A quick look at YouTube videos of new homes for sale in Lagos exposes a recurring issue—poorly designed kitchens and bathrooms. The lack of skilled professionals in plumbing and fittings is evident, and the problem extends beyond residential buildings to commercial spaces like hotels.

Widespread Plumbing Deficiencies

Substandard plumbing is a well-known issue in local hotels, affecting both public areas (toilets, restaurants, etc.) and private guest rooms.

I once stayed in a beautifully designed hotel in Ijebu—the exterior and guest rooms were impressive, but the shower room was a complete disaster:

• Poorly planned layout, making the space inefficient.
• Water heater positioned dangerously in the wrong location.
• Inappropriate and low-quality fittings.
• Zero water pressure, forcing me to fill a bucket just to take a bath.
• Untidy and exposed pipe runs, showing poor workmanship.
• Excessive tiled walls instead of glass, creating a cramped feel.
• Slippery and hazardous flooring, increasing the risk of falls.

What’s Causing This Problem?

The primary reason is the absence of regulatory oversight. If local authorities enforced building standards, property owners would be compelled to hire qualified professionals, ensuring long-term quality and safety.

Why Do We Accept Substandard Plumbing?

Is it simply because it’s an improvement from the 1980s, and we’ve settled for mediocrity? Or do we overlook value for money, ignoring modern industry standards and best practices? The demand for quality, efficiency, and safety should be a priority.