Abuja, June 11, 2025, In a bold move toward sustainable housing and environmental innovation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to construct affordable and durable smart houses using bamboo plants only. This initiative is aimed at providing housing solutions for low- and medium-income earners across the country.
The announcement was made by Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Mrs. Asanye, bamboo combined with other green technologies has proven to be an effective and scalable solution to meet the country’s rising housing demands without causing harm to the environment.
“The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), is taking a strategic step to promote sustainable housing. We are embarking on a project that will rely solely on bamboo to construct smart, eco-friendly homes for Nigerians,” she stated.
She explained that the initiative is part of a broader national strategy to tackle housing deficits while reducing carbon footprints and promoting the use of local, renewable materials.
Bamboo is being recognized globally for its remarkable strength, versatility, and environmental benefits. It matures much faster than timber typically within 3–5 years making it a renewable and sustainable resource. It is also lightweight yet strong, cost-effective, and highly adaptable to different building designs.
NBRRI, a research institute under the Ministry, has been exploring green construction technologies and is now advancing its bamboo-based innovations for national deployment.
“We’ve seen bamboo used successfully in several countries for structural elements such as floors, walls, and roofs. With the right processing and treatment, it becomes not just viable, but a superior alternative to conventional materials,” said a senior engineer at NBRRI.
The government’s plan is not only to build with bamboo but to integrate smart technologies into these homes. These may include solar energy systems, water recycling solutions, energy-efficient lighting, and smart monitoring devices.
The houses will be developed as prototypes across several pilot states before being rolled out nationwide.
“These are not just bamboo huts. We’re talking about modern, climate-smart homes equipped with technology to improve quality of life,” Mrs. Asanye added.
The bamboo housing initiative is expected to create jobs, especially in rural communities, by training artisans in bamboo processing and construction. This supports both economic empowerment and the development of local industries.
In addition, using bamboo will significantly reduce deforestation, since it provides an alternative to wood-based construction materials.
“We’re not just building houses; we’re building a future where Nigerians can access decent homes without compromising the environment,” she concluded.
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, through NBRRI, is currently working on mass-producing bamboo-based structural components and setting up local hubs for bamboo processing.
This initiative marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to urban development and sustainability, positioning the country as a leader in green innovation in Africa.
