NITDA DG Urges Construction Sector to Adopt Digital Tech

Embracing Digital Transformation in Nigeria's Construction Industry

In a powerful call for progress, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has urged Nigeria’s construction industry to transition from traditional methods to digital solutions. His message emphasizes the importance of adopting technologies that can revolutionize project delivery, enhance productivity, and place the sector at the forefront of innovation.

During a two-day workshop organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), FCT Chapter, Inuwa delivered a keynote speech titled “Digital Transformation in the Nigerian Construction Industry.” The event, themed “Policy Shifts and Industry Trends,” served as an ideal platform to introduce this new digital vision.

Represented by Dr. Yahaya Onimisi, the Acting Director of Project Management at NITDA, Inuwa emphasized that emerging technologies are not just optional upgrades but essential components for the future of the industry. He outlined several tools that could drive this transformation, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Data Analytics, and Cloud Collaboration platforms.

These technologies, according to Inuwa, offer a clear path to improve service delivery, increase accuracy, boost productivity, and create more efficient project management systems throughout the entire construction value chain. He argued that the need for modernization is becoming increasingly urgent, and the future of construction lies in digital transformation.

By embracing innovation, Nigerian Quantity Surveyors can shift from routine cost measurement tasks to more strategic, data-driven roles. This change, he said, will not only make their work more impactful but also contribute to smarter, faster, and more transparent infrastructure development.

Inuwa highlighted several challenges facing the sector, such as project delays, cost overruns, inefficiencies, and resistance to change. He described digital transformation as both a disruption and an opportunity, urging the industry to adapt and evolve.

He further explained that the process of digital transformation involves more than just adopting new technology. It requires fundamental changes in business processes, organizational culture, and skill sets to fully leverage the opportunities of the digital age.

To accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, Inuwa called for stronger partnerships between NITDA and NIQS. He proposed several areas for collaboration, including capacity building, policy alignment, innovation labs, and the development of a sector-specific digital transformation roadmap aligned with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0.

Drawing on past collaborations with professional bodies like the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Inuwa emphasized that with strategic investments, government support, and continuous professional development, the construction industry can unlock new opportunities and achieve better project management outcomes.

He concluded by encouraging Nigerian Quantity Surveyors to embrace a mindset of continuous learning, invest strategically in technology, and foster strong relationships with stakeholders. By doing so, they can not only navigate the challenges of technological disruption but also thrive in an evolving industry landscape.