DG NITDA’s rep, Dr. Onimisi giving a presentation at the workshop organised by the NIQS FCT Chapter at the National Engineering Centre in Abuja
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has called on Nigeria’s construction industry to transition from traditional blueprints to digital bytes by adopting cutting-edge technologies that can revolutionize project delivery, enhance productivity, and position the sector as a leader in innovation.
Speaking through Dr. Yahaya Onimisi, the Agency’s Acting Director of Project Management, at a two-day workshop organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), FCT Chapter, Inuwa delivered a keynote presentation titled “Digital Transformation in the Nigerian Construction Industry.” The workshop, themed “Policy Shifts and Industry Trends,” served as a timely platform to spotlight the urgent need for digital integration in the sector.
Inuwa emphasized that technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Data Analytics, and Cloud Collaboration are no longer optional enhancements but essential foundations for modern construction practices. He noted that these tools can significantly improve service delivery, accuracy, efficiency, and overall project outcomes across the entire value chain.
“As the demand for modernization becomes more pressing, the future of construction rests on digital transformation,” he remarked. “By embracing innovation, Nigeria’s Quantity Surveyors can drive smarter, faster, and more transparent infrastructure development.”
The NITDA boss identified key challenges hindering the industry, including project delays, cost overruns, inefficiencies, and a general resistance to change. He described digital transformation as both a necessary disruption and a gateway to new opportunities.
Inuwa further stated that embracing digital technologies would elevate the role of Nigerian Quantity Surveyors from traditional cost measurement to more strategic, data-driven decision-making positions. He explained that transformation goes beyond technology adoption, it requires a shift in processes, culture, and skills to fully harness the benefits of the digital era.
He also called for stronger collaboration between NITDA and NIQS to fast-track the sector’s digital journey, proposing initiatives such as capacity development, policy harmonization, innovation hubs, and a sector-specific digital transformation roadmap aligned with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0.
Drawing from successful partnerships with other professional bodies including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Inuwa expressed confidence that with sustained investments, supportive policies, and continuous professional training, Nigeria’s construction industry can unlock greater efficiency, transparency, and innovation.
He concluded by encouraging Quantity Surveyors to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and collaboration, positioning themselves to not only adapt to technological disruptions but thrive in the emerging digital landscape.
