Construction sector grows 6.75% as Big 5 Construct Nigeria targets 10,000 visitors

Nigeria’s construction industry grew by 6.75 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, outperforming overall Gross Domestic Product growth and further underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to the national economy.

The latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the sector contributed 3.68 per cent to real output during the period.

The growth comes amid increasing demand for housing, infrastructure and construction services, with millions of artisans, engineers, suppliers and contractors depending on the sector for their livelihoods.

Against this backdrop, the sixth edition of Big 5 Construct Nigeria, described by organisers as the country’s largest construction trade event, is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 24, 2026, at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.

The event, organised by dmg events, is expected to attract more than 10,000 trade visitors, including contractors, developers, architects, engineers and government decision-makers.

More than 165 exhibiting companies from over 20 countries are expected to participate, with countries including Germany, India, Spain, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates represented.

FBI confirms Tinubu was investigated in US drug case

### Government bets on construction

The development of the construction sector comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to expand local production of building materials and address the country’s housing shortage.

Nigeria’s construction output was estimated at $54bn in 2025 and is projected to grow by about 3.1 per cent in 2026, with average annual growth of approximately 3.2 per cent expected between 2027 and 2030.

As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Government is also pursuing the establishment of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across the six geopolitical zones.

The initiative is aimed at reducing construction costs, strengthening local supply chains and reducing dependence on imported building materials.

The housing challenge remains significant, with Nigeria’s official housing deficit estimated at 14.9 million units. Recent estimates cited by the Lagos State Government suggest that the figure could rise to nearly 28 million when structurally deficient homes are included.

Industry stakeholders have maintained that addressing the deficit through increased local production, improved project delivery and stronger technical capacity could create millions of jobs while stimulating manufacturing, finance and other sectors of the economy.

Speaking ahead of the event, Senior Vice President, dmg events, Josine Heijmans, said the construction industry was experiencing an important period of growth.

She said Big 5 Construct Nigeria would provide a platform for companies and government authorities driving the sector’s development to connect with international suppliers and industry leaders.

According to her, the platform would support knowledge sharing and business relationships capable of contributing to Nigeria’s construction ambitions in line with the National Development Plan.

### Global, local firms to exhibit

The 2026 edition will feature products and services spanning building interiors and finishes, concrete and cement, construction tools and personal protective equipment, digital construction technologies, mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, heavy construction equipment, marble and stone.

Other categories include metal, steel and aluminium systems, offsite and modular construction, urban design and landscaping, as well as windows, doors and façades.

Global companies expected to exhibit include Saint-Gobain, Sika, Asian Paints and Bosch, alongside UAE-based Uniflo – Al Shihhi Industry.

Nigerian companies such as SPG Nigeria and Abumet are also expected to participate.

The organisers said the mix of international and Nigerian exhibitors reflected the growing interest of foreign investors in the country’s built environment as well as the increasing capacity of local manufacturers.

The exhibition will also feature the Big 5 Talks conference programme, with more than 25 Continuing Professional Development-certified sessions scheduled across the three days.

Speakers are expected to address issues including project delivery, risk governance, Building Information Modelling adoption, digital project controls, cost and quality management, fit-out projects and green building.

Among the confirmed speakers are Bldr Adetunji Adeniran of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria; Gabriel Oyekunle of CraftsPhile Studios; Engr Thabang Chitja of RIB Software; Abimbola Onagbade of CDK Integrated Industries; and Arc. Emmanuel Falude of the Green Building Council of Nigeria.

Organisers said the professional development sessions would help address skills gaps within the construction industry while giving participants access to international suppliers, technologies and expertise.

They added that the event would go beyond a conventional trade exhibition by providing a platform for stakeholders to explore solutions to some of the challenges confronting the industry, including housing delivery, skills development, local manufacturing and technology adoption.

Big 5 Construct Nigeria is free for trade and industry professionals aged 18 and above, with registration currently open.