Nigerian Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has called on architects to embrace innovative use of locally sourced materials, combining modern technology with traditional wisdom.
Dangiwa who made the call at the 2024 Archibuilt Expo in Abuja on Tuesday, stated that optimizing the use of local materials like bamboo, laterite and compressed earth blocks will help to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining structural integrity of the building.
The Minister revealed that the Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Agenda is making progress in its efforts to boost the local manufacture of building materials. 
He said, “Early this year we set up a Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team with the mandate to produce blueprint for developing the sector and building six manufacturing hubs, one in each of the six geo-political zones”.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable housing, infrastructure, and urban development.
“Over the past one year as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, we have maintained a robust engagement with Architects, allied professionals, local and international partners towards sustainable housing and urban development. 
“We aim to develop policies that promote increased use of sustainable materials, encourage development of green buildings, develop creative potential of local material design/ production and ensure that urban planning/ urban design aligns with environmental sustainability.
Speaking of this year’s theme: Innovations in Substainable Construction, the President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc Mobolaji Adeniyi said this is most apt and timely as the Institute seek to provide sustainable solutions and innovations in the nation’s construction industry.
She said, “As we stand at the threshold of this exciting event, we recognize critical role that Built Environment Professionals play in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges in sustainable development and urbanization”.
Arc Adeniyi made it known that the Institute also recognize the fact that the construction industry in Nigeria has been plagued with a multitude of problems stemming from building collapses to high cost of building materials, and also an alarming deficit of skilled workers. 
However, she noted that these challenges, which are not just peculiar to Nigeria alone, can be overcome by stakeholders in the Built Environment, financial institutions, manufacturers of building materials, relevant Government agencies, and the academia.
According to her, “We should note that the fast-paced world of construction today is changing and undergoing a rapid transformation to becoming more “Eco-friendly” in all aspects of its development”.
She disclosed that this event shall showcase cutting-edge products, ideas, technologies that are redefining the built environment, adding that the event will engage with industry leaders, policy makers and professionals who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
“Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, exhibitions, seminars. trainings and networking opportunities, we’ll explore the intersection of Architecture, Technology and Innovation. We’ll delve into latest trends, best practices and innovative solutions that can help us build a better Nigeria”.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Archibuilt Expo, Arc Umaru Karaye said in recent years, the built environment has faced unprecedented challenges, including rapid urbanization, climate change, and resource scarcity, adding that this year’s expo will highlight latest innovation in sustainable materials, design strategies, and technologies
According to him, “We will explore topics such as: Sustainable Materials: Exploring the use of eco-friendly and recycled materials. Smart Buildings: Leveraging technology to enhance energy consumption efficiency, occupant comfort, and sustainability.
“This exposition will also provide an opportunity for architects and engineers to showcase their innovative projects, share knowledge, and network with industry peers. We encourage you to explore the exhibition halls, attend workshops, and participate in discussions to learn about the latest trends and best practices”, he said.
The Chairman expressed his appreciation to Council of Nigerian Institute of Architects for their continued support, guidance, adding that their leadership and expertise have been invaluable in shaping the direction of this industry.
He also extended his sincere gratitude to the dedicated committee members of Archibuilt 2024 for their tireless efforts in organizing this successful event, thanked all exhibitors and sponsors for their tireless support to showcase the latest innovations and provide valuable opportunities for networking and learning.
The event which has the former Nigerian Vice President, Arc Namadi Sambo as the Special Guest of Honour, stakeholders, various professional bodies, participants, exhibitors and sponsors.
