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Chartered Institute of Building Nigeria Hub advocates smart infrastructure for climate challenges
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Chartered Institute of Building Nigeria Hub has called for the adoption of smart infrastructure and sustainable construction practices to address Nigeria's growing climate challenges. Onabekun Adekunle, Head of the Institute, stated that climate change necessitates a re-evaluation of planning, design, and construction processes to ensure sustainability and resilience. He warned that poor planning and unregulated urbanization exacerbate environmental degradation and social instability, contributing to resource scarcity, community displacement, and socio-economic tensions. Adekunle linked environmental issues like flooding, erosion, and desertification to livelihood threats. He emphasized that strategically planned and sustainably implemented infrastructure can foster stability, prosperity, and national cohesion. Adekunle urged stakeholders in construction and urban development to embrace green building practices, energy efficiency, and responsible material use, advocating for reduced carbon footprints and waste minimization. He also recommended integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance principles into infrastructure development and ensuring strict compliance with Environmental Impact Assessments. Adekunle concluded that climate action is a strategic investment in Nigeria's future, capable of reducing vulnerabilities, strengthening resilience, and creating economic opportunities, stressing that progress should not compromise the planet.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Sea Empowerment & Research Centre SERC has expressed concern over the significant increase in illicit drug seizures at Nigerian seaports. In the first half of 2026, 109,306.75 kilograms 109.3 tonnes of illicit drugs, with an estimated street value exceeding N45bn, were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA. SERC highlights that while these interceptions demonstrate improved intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, they also reveal that transnational organized crime syndicates are increasingly using Nigerian maritime routes and containerized cargo for drug trafficking. The organization warns that this trend could damage Nigeria's international trade reputation, lead to stricter inspections, cause cargo clearance delays, deter investment, and elevate the country's global maritime risk profile. SERC also notes that drug trafficking through maritime channels fuels money laundering, organized crime, corruption, and insecurity. The center advocates for a shift from seizure-based enforcement to intelligence-led prevention, recommending the deployment of AI-driven cargo profiling, wider installation of non-intrusive scanners, strengthened container tracking systems, and enhanced collaboration among relevant agencies, including the full integration of the National Single Window for improved information sharing and risk management. Apapa Port accounted for the largest share of seizures, with 77,959.95 kilograms, representi
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