Architectural Sector Contributes ₦6.17 Trillion to Nigeria’s GDP, Says NIA President

Nigeria’s Architectural Sector Contributes ₦6.17 Trillion to GDP, Says NIA

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has disclosed that the architectural profession generated an estimated ₦6.17 trillion in economic value in the last year, representing 6% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) the outgoing President of the Institute, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi presented the data during the NIA’s 65th Biennial General Assembly, Conference, Exhibition, and Leadership Transition held in Abuja.

Adeniyi emphasised that architecture remains a foundational driver of national development, with wide-ranging impacts on employment, tourism, infrastructure delivery, and the broader construction value chain.

Adeniyi noted that no developing economy attains sustained growth without leveraging the creativity and technical depth of its architects. He highlighted global examples of how strong architectural vision and professional oversight have transformed local economies, specifically in the Middle East, where design-driven tourism and modern city-building have accelerated economic diversification.

He explained that Nigeria’s architectural ecosystem supports tens of thousands of jobs, particularly among artisans, draftsmen, technicians, and construction workers, while enabling the delivery of commercial, residential, and public infrastructure nationwide.

According to him, “Architecture is a major value creator. When the profession is properly engaged, it stimulates employment and drives investment into the built environment. Countries that prioritise architectural excellence enjoy stronger tourism inflows, higher-quality urban development, and safer building outcomes.”

Professional Oversight and the Battle Against Building Collapse

Responding to concerns about recurring building failures in parts of the country, Adeniyi reaffirmed that projects led by registered architects rarely experience structural failures, noting that professionalism and accountability significantly reduce risks.

He stressed that the Institute has strengthened its internal regulatory mechanisms to ensure that only certified professionals take charge of design coordination, site supervision, and project delivery. He warned private developers and public agencies to avoid engaging unqualified practitioners, stating that the majority of collapsed structures across the country reveal a consistent pattern of non-professionals assuming technical roles.

“Where you have a registered architect overseeing the project, the likelihood of compromise is drastically reduced,” he said. “Building collapses often occur where there is little or no professional input from licensed members of the built environment.”

Incoming Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Ethical Practice

In his remarks, the newly elected President of the NIA, Arc. Sani Saulawa, pledged to sustain strict enforcement of professional standards and to intensify advocacy across the construction industry. He noted that the Institute has never recorded a collapse on a project handled by its registered members, underscoring the importance of adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Saulawa expressed concern about the growing number of unlicensed individuals offering architectural services without formal training or accreditation. He described the behaviour as a threat to public safety, urging regulators, developers, and government agencies to treat the issue with urgency.

He added that preliminary assessments conducted after several collapse incidents show a recurring pattern: non-architects operating beyond their competence, in violation of Nigeria’s building and planning codes.

Strengthening the Built Environment Through Professional Discipline

The outgoing and incoming leaders of the NIA aligned on a core message Nigeria must prioritise qualified professionals if it hopes to achieve safe, modern, and globally competitive cities. They stressed that architecture does not only shape the aesthetics of a nation but also underpins economic growth, job creation, and structural resilience.

As the Institute transitions to new leadership, it reiterated its readiness to collaborate with policymakers, developers, and regulators to strengthen compliance across the construction industry and sustain architecture’s expanding contribution to national GDP.