The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has reinforced its dedication to enhancing global best practices within Nigeria's construction and property sector. The organization is actively working to strengthen local partnerships and elevate professional standards across the industry.
Strengthening Nigeria's Built Environment
During a recent meeting with property journalists in Lagos, Geoffrey Dobson, RICS Managing Director for the Middle East & Africa, announced the institution's intensified support for its Nigeria group. He emphasized deeper collaboration with both government agencies and private sector practitioners.
"We're committed as RICS International to support the government of Nigeria, other agencies, and RICS Nigeria," Dobson stated firmly.
He revealed that discussions with Lagos State's Deputy Governor highlighted both opportunities and challenges facing Africa's most populous city. These range from housing pressures to infrastructure gaps that require urgent attention.
"That acknowledgment recognises the role RICS can play in shaping solutions across the built environment," Dobson added, underscoring the institution's potential impact.
Addressing Professional Challenges
Uche Obi, a member of the RICS Governing Council, pointed to a growing concern within the profession: attracting the next generation of surveyors. He noted that competition for skilled talent has become global, requiring professional bodies to be more deliberate in nurturing young entrants.
"What Knight Frank is doing through their academy is amazing," Obi observed. "That's something RICS can replicate not just in Nigeria but around the world."
Obi emphasized that RICS's extensive global research capabilities position it to advise governments more effectively. The institution can leverage lessons from the United Kingdom, United States, European markets, and others to support policy reform and professional development in Nigeria.
Tayo Odunsi, Chairman of the RICS Nigeria Group, highlighted the institution's long-standing presence in Nigeria, which now spans 63 years. He confirmed that collaboration between the local group and its international headquarters has always existed but is now "significantly strengthened."
Global Sustainability Concerns Emerge
Beyond capacity building initiatives, RICS is raising alarms about a concerning trend: declining global demand for sustainable buildings. The institution's 2025 Sustainability Report, drawing insights from over 3,500 professionals across 36 countries, reveals weakening enthusiasm for green and climate-resilient projects in several regions.
The report indicates that demand growth has slowed substantially in the Americas, partly driven by shifts in U.S. policy. Similar softening is evident across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Asia-Pacific region.
However, the Middle East and Africa stand out as the only regions where momentum for sustainable buildings continues to strengthen, presenting unique opportunities for Nigeria's construction sector.
RICS identifies several significant barriers to green construction adoption:
- High upfront costs despite investor appreciation for green certifications
- Limited returns visibility
- Low awareness, particularly in MEA and APAC regions
A particularly worrying statistic reveals that 46% of construction experts surveyed do not measure embodied carbon in their projects, a figure that has increased over the past year. Only 16% reported that carbon calculations significantly influence their material choices.
The report underscores the urgent need for:
- Capacity building programs
- Enhanced climate literacy
- Adoption of circular economy principles
Despite more than 70% of respondents believing they possess some knowledge of sustainable construction, familiarity with key concepts like whole-life carbon remains surprisingly low across the industry.
