In a recent presentation at the Ato Annual Lecture Series #12, our Managing Director shared invaluable insights into the evolution of modern architecture, engineering, and construction in Nigeria. His presentation highlighted the pivotal role of COSTAIN, a major player in the industry, and its connection to the National Development Plan era (1970-1985). This period, marked by a strong Naira exchange rate, high-quality resources, low competition, and affordable material costs, laid the foundation for Nigeria’s built environment.

COSTAIN and the National Development Plan Era (1970-1985)

The National Development Plan era was a transformative period for Nigeria’s construction industry. With a stable Naira exchange rate and a focus on infrastructure development, the country witnessed the construction of iconic projects such as the Niger Bridge, Port Harcourt Oil Refinery, and NECOM House—the tallest building in West Africa at the time. COSTAIN, a leading construction firm, played a central role in this era, delivering high-quality projects that symbolized Nigeria’s economic growth and modernization.

The Environment, Development, and Impact (EDI) framework helps us understand the factors that drove this success. During this period, Nigeria’s social, financial, and governance structures were aligned with national development goals. The emphasis on unity, merit, and order, coupled with a democratic governance approach, enabled efficient project implementation. The oil boom further fueled investment in infrastructure, making this era a golden age for the construction industry.

The Foundational Years: 1970-1980

The 1970s were foundational for Nigeria’s construction industry. The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree (NEPD) of 1977 encouraged indigenous participation, allowing firms like COSTAIN to thrive. This period also saw the rise of local partnerships and the transfer of technical expertise from international firms to Nigerian professionals. Mr Andy Jibunoh’s father, for instance, became a majority shareholder in COSTAIN West Africa, providing opportunities for Nigerians to gain exposure to large-scale projects.

The industry’s success during this time was driven by professionalism, quality, and patriotism. These values remain essential for firms like APD Project Management Limited as we strive to deliver excellence in every project.

The Military Years: 1980-2000

The 1980s and 1990s, often referred to as Nigeria’s “dark ages,” saw a decline in GDP growth and infrastructure development. Many projects initiated during the National Development Plan era were abandoned, and the construction industry faced significant challenges. COSTAIN, once a symbol of Nigeria’s progress, struggled as the economy deteriorated.

Despite these challenges, this period taught valuable lessons in endurance, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Andy Jibunoh’s experience managing the NECOM House refurbishment after a devastating fire in 1983 exemplifies the industry’s ability to adapt and persevere. These lessons continue to inspire firms like APD Project Management Limited to overcome obstacles and deliver results.

The Civilian Years: 2000-2024

The return to civilian rule in 1999 marked a new era of growth for Nigeria’s construction industry. GDP began to recover, and foreign investments returned, particularly in telecommunications and real estate. The private sector played a crucial role in driving development, with firms like APD Project Management Limited leading the way.

During this period, APD contributed to high-profile projects such as the Shell Estates and the Federal Secretariat in Port Harcourt. By embracing corporate governance, partnerships, and collaborations, the firm set a standard for excellence in the industry.

The Present and Future: Building on Best Practices

Today, Nigeria faces new challenges, including high inflation, security threats, and a need for urban renewal. However, the lessons from the past provide a roadmap for the future. By prioritizing development planning, strengthening institutions, and fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs), we can achieve sustainable growth.

Key solutions include:

• Education and National Orientation: Aligning educational standards with development goals to build a skilled workforce.
• Urban Planning and Zoning: Creating sustainable cities through thoughtful design and regulation.
• Collaboration and Advocacy: Leveraging partnerships to drive innovation and social responsibility.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The history of Nigeria’s architecture, engineering, and construction industry is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. As APD Project Management Limited continues to lead in the industry, we must draw inspiration from the best practices of the past—professionalism, quality, and patriotism—while embracing the opportunities of the future.

By prioritizing responsible development, fostering collaborations, and investing in technical manpower, we can contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria’s built environment.

Nigeria, one of Africa’s leading energy producers, has long been recognized for its abundant natural gas reserves. With over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, the country holds the largest gas reserves in Africa and the ninth largest in the world. Despite this wealth, the utilization of gas within Nigeria has historically been limited, with much of it either flared or exported in its raw form. This has led to a range of issues, from environmental concerns to inefficiencies in energy distribution within the country.

Challenges in Nigeria’s Gas Sector

For decades, the Nigerian gas sector has faced significant challenges. The infrastructure for processing and distributing natural gas domestically has been underdeveloped, leading to an over-reliance on oil as the primary energy source. Moreover, the flaring of associated gas during oil extraction has not only wasted a valuable resource but has also contributed to environmental degradation and pollution.

One of the critical issues has been the limited availability of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for domestic and industrial use. While LPG is a cleaner and more efficient energy source compared to traditional fuels like kerosene or firewood, its distribution has been hampered by inadequate storage and transportation facilities. This has resulted in periodic shortages and higher costs for consumers, particularly in rural areas.

The Transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to transition to more sustainable energy sources, both globally and within Nigeria. Under the commitments made during the COP26 summit, Nigeria has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. One of the key components of this strategy is the increased adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

CNG offers several advantages over conventional fuels. It burns cleaner, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and is more cost-effective in the long run. The Nigerian government has identified CNG as a crucial element in achieving its climate goals and improving energy access for its citizens.

The Terpex Project: A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Gas Supply Chain

In line with these goals, the Terpex project has emerged as a pivotal initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s LPG supply chain. Funded by Africa Plus Funds, this project represents a significant investment in the country’s energy infrastructure. As stated by Africa Plus Funds, “Our investment worth N3.6 billion on this project serves to finance the construction and operation of a 2400MT inland storage plant. This investment seeks to democratize the supply chain of liquefied petroleum gas across Nigeria through the provision of bulk storage facilities.”

The 2400MT inland storage plant is a critical development that will enhance the availability and distribution of LPG across Nigeria. By providing bulk storage facilities, the project ensures that LPG can be stored safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of shortages and price fluctuations. The plant will also serve as a hub for the transportation of LPG, with dedicated facilities for housing and servicing gas trucks. This infrastructure will enable a more reliable supply of LPG to different parts of the country, making it more accessible to consumers and businesses alike.

Furthermore, the plant will act as a safe haven for gas storage, ensuring that the operations are conducted in a secure environment that adheres to the highest safety standards. This is particularly important in a country like Nigeria, where safety concerns have often hindered the development of energy infrastructure.

The Future of CNG in Nigeria

The Terpex project is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to promote the use of CNG and LPG as part of its energy transition strategy. In recent months, there has been significant progress on this front, with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration inaugurating new CNG buses as part of its commitment to reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.

According to a recent news release, President Tinubu stated, “The inauguration of these CNG buses marks a major milestone in our journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. This is just the beginning, as we continue to invest in the necessary infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of CNG and other alternative fuels across Nigeria.”

These initiatives, combined with projects like Terpex, are setting the stage for a more sustainable and efficient energy future for Nigeria. By addressing the challenges of the past and investing in modern infrastructure, Nigeria is poised to become a leader in the global transition to cleaner energy.

Conclusion

The Terpex project is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s energy journey, providing the infrastructure needed to ensure a stable and efficient supply of LPG. Combined with the government’s recent efforts to promote CNG, Nigeria is well on its way to achieving its climate goals and ensuring energy access for all its citizens. As the country continues to invest in these initiatives, the future looks bright for Nigeria’s energy sector.