NIGERIA’S $54BN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR SET FOR MAJOR INDUSTRY SHOWCASE IN LAGOS

Nigeria’s construction industry is set to receive a major boost as stakeholders prepare for the sixth edition of Big 5 Construct Nigeria, an international construction exhibition expected to bring together companies, professionals and government representatives to examine opportunities and challenges within the country’s rapidly evolving built-environment sector.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Landmark Centre in Lagos from September 22 to 24, 2026. Organisers said more than 165 exhibitors from over 20 countries are expected to participate, while attendance is projected to exceed 10,000 contractors, developers, architects, engineers and other professionals working across the construction value chain.

The exhibition is coming at a time when Nigeria’s construction industry is estimated to have generated about $54 billion in output in 2025. Market Research and ResearchAndMarkets projections cited by the organisers indicate that the sector could expand by 3.1 per cent in 2026, with average annual growth of about 3.2 per cent expected between 2027 and 2030.

According to the organisers, continued spending on infrastructure, housing, industrial projects and manufacturing is expected to remain a major driver of construction activity in the coming years. The sector's growth is also being linked to the country's growing need for housing and infrastructure capable of supporting economic and population expansion.

A major focus of the event will be the availability of new technologies, materials and equipment capable of improving efficiency and reducing costs within Nigeria’s construction sector. Exhibitors will showcase products and services covering areas such as concrete and cement, construction tools, building interiors and finishes, heavy machinery, mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, steel and aluminium, modular construction, landscaping, windows, doors and façades.

Digital construction technologies and sustainable building practices will also form part of the discussions. The organisers said the event is designed not only as an exhibition but also as a platform where industry players can exchange ideas, establish business relationships and explore practical solutions to challenges affecting construction projects in Nigeria.

The Federal Government’s plan to establish Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across the country is another development expected to influence discussions at the event. Organisers said the initiative, being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda, could strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains while helping to address some of the factors contributing to high construction costs.

Senior Vice President of dmg events, Josine Heijmans, said the construction sector was experiencing an important period of expansion, creating demand for new capabilities, expertise and products. She said Big 5 Construct Nigeria would provide an avenue for Nigerian companies and public authorities involved in the sector to connect with international suppliers and industry leaders.

She added that the platform would support knowledge sharing and business relationships that could contribute to Nigeria’s wider construction ambitions and align with the country’s National Development Plan.

International participation is expected from countries including Germany, India, Spain, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. Among the companies listed as exhibitors are Saint-Gobain, Sika, Asian Paints, Bosch, Uniflo–Al Shihhi Industry, SPG Nigeria and Abumet.

Beyond the exhibition floor, the event will feature Big 5 Talks, a professional learning programme consisting of more than 25 Continuing Professional Development-certified sessions. The sessions are expected to address areas including architecture, design, project management, cost and commercial management, sustainable construction materials and façades.

Discussions will also focus on practical issues encountered throughout the life cycle of construction projects, including project delivery, adoption of digital tools, cost control, interior fit-outs, finishing works and sustainable building methods.

With Nigeria’s construction output already estimated at $54 billion, industry stakeholders are expected to use the gathering to examine how investment, technology, local manufacturing and professional expertise can be combined to make construction more efficient and affordable.

The organisers believe the event will provide an important meeting point for local and international players as Nigeria seeks to expand infrastructure, housing and industrial capacity while developing a stronger domestic construction supply chain.