By Ayomide Otitoju
Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with industry stakeholders, is set to host the inaugural Design & Build Expo, showcasing 54 exhibitors from across the construction and design sectors.
This was disclosed on Monday by Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, during a media briefing held at the bank’s Lagos headquarters.
The expo, slated as a five-day event, will feature key partners, including SABA Steel, Coleman Wire & Cables, Donna Spectre, Dulux Paints, HTL Africa, ITB Nigeria Limited, Mota Engil Nigeria, and Chapel Hill Denham, among others.
Odu explained that the initiative reflects Ecobank’s commitment to supporting all sectors of the economy, with the construction industry selected to address the growing needs of its customers.
“We’ve hosted events for the creative industry, fashion, and children. This time, we are focusing on the construction value chain. The expo provides a platform for exhibitors to network, partner, and gain international visibility. With Ecobank’s presence in 34 African countries, we are dedicated to enabling businesses across borders and positioning them for global competitiveness,” she said.
The Design & Build Expo 2024, themed “Building Nigeria Together,” aims to highlight innovations and sustainable practices in architecture, construction, building materials, engineering, household appliances, and interior design.
Event Features
The expo promises a wide range of activities, including:
Knowledge-sharing sessions by industry experts.
Creative exhibitions and product showcases.
Networking opportunities with thought leaders and stakeholders.
An inter-school architectural design competition to inspire future professionals.
Multi-audience entertainment and food services.
Additionally, participants will gain insights into bespoke mortgage plans, construction loans, and investment opportunities tailored to support real estate and construction projects.
Ecobank noted that the expo provides a unique platform for businesses to connect with top developers, architects, and builders shaping the future of Nigeria’s real estate and construction industries.
Nigeria’s Growing Construction Market
Citing a 2023 report by the US International Trade Administration, Ecobank highlighted Nigeria’s construction market’s projected growth rate of 3.2% annually from 2022 to 2026. This marks an improvement from the 3.1% growth recorded in 2021.
Additionally, the World Bank estimates that Nigeria needs $3 trillion in infrastructure investments to address its infrastructure deficit. The Nigerian government is taking steps to tackle this gap through the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, which aims to boost infrastructure stock to 70% of GDP by 2043.
With construction projects increasingly driven by both government initiatives and private investment, the expo is positioned as a vital hub for fostering partnerships and driving economic growth.
