THE IDEATION PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTION IN NIGERIA

The construction industry contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, and its operations are essential to achieving the socio-economic development objectives of housing, infrastructure, and employment. There is little doubt that the construction industry is essential to the economy’s continuous expansion and that its activities have a significant impact on almost every aspect of the economy.

Nigeria still has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, and this can be attributed to growth in various sectors. However, the construction industry is one of those responsible for the high growth rate in the West African nation, as it boosts infrastructural development and is also a major source of youth employment opportunities and shelter.

As construction is an integral part of the economy’s growth, the Nigerian government as well as private investors both support construction projects. With the help of public-private partnerships (PPPs), multilateral development banks (MDBs), bilateral creditors, and total government financing, the government provides essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dredged waterways, ports, and trains.

However, despite the sector’s significant evolution, there are still a number of obstacles that prevent further development. Some of these difficulties range from construction itself to professionals, the government, clients, and projects. These challenges could be the collapse of buildings, material shortages, unethical practices of construction workers, and poor planning, which mostly leads to poor management. These challenges could be prevented if a clear ideation process is crafted as the first step to be taken before starting out in the construction industry, whether it’s a government or private venture. 

It is common knowledge that the “ideation process” of any venture is the entire creative process of developing and sharing new ideas, as ideation is usually a creative thought that aims to solve a problem or offer a better way to go about doing something. It includes coming up with new ideas, developing old ones, and determining how to put new ideas into effect. Below are a few of the things that should be considered for a construction company to fully function;

Create Building Designs That Save Costs.

One of the ways to reduce some infrastructural challenges is by making decisions early on that can significantly reduce both construction and maintenance costs. Given that costs related to operation and maintenance can make up between 40% and 80% of a building’s total lifetime cost, it is advised that suppliers, contractors, and maintenance personnel be included in design decisions as early as possible. This will allow them to provide suggestions on likely construction procedures and maintenance issues.

Invest More in Training Resources.

A strong employee training plan can qualify as the backbone of the construction industry. All employers benefit from investing in training programs because the business will acquire personnel with new skills, thereby encouraging employees to advance their knowledge and climb the corporate ladder. If businesses plan far enough ahead, this is one method they can use to meet their recruiting demands. In the construction industry, worker training is available in a wide range of areas, including technology, construction procedures, revolutionary products, legal requirements, safety and health, leadership, project management, lean construction, and BIM(Building Information Modelling), to mention a few, which will equip workers to properly carry out their duties with quality. 

Leveraging Technology in the Construction Industry

Every area of the global economy is evolving as technology advances. As a result of technological development, there are endless alternatives that make every activity better and simpler. There are waves of technological advancements that can make people more comfortable, including smart houses, appliances, and devices. Technology now affects developments in the construction industry.

The building sector is always evolving thanks to innovators. These developments have the potential to strengthen and improve the current building materials and construction methods. Research from experts shows various ways technological innovations can help improve the construction industry and the existing infrastructure in Nigeria. 

Provision of Standard Materials by Testing

New building materials are continuously being introduced to the market, whether they are innovations of established standards, like fast-curing concrete, or products of nature, like new super-repellent compounds based on plants. It is important for manufacturers, building businesses, and design experts to work together to improve emerging materials by testing. With this implementation, the construction industry can successfully introduce these cutting-edge building materials to consumers, saving both time and money, as well as the environment.

The construction sector in Nigeria has been gradually expanding over the years and will continue to do so going forward. Hopefully, governments and private sectors venturing into this industry will map out an ideation process with clarity so as to ensure more development in the industry as it builds infrastructure, money, and jobs. The industry plays a key role in meeting a basic human need for shelter by producing both residential and non-residential structures. In this light, we at Rosettee Construction prioritize bringing innovative ideas to the construction industry in Nigeria.