Building Smarter, Not Harder: The AI Revolution in the Construction Industry and Cost Control Environment.

In and exclusive conversation, Ayodeji Ake quizzed Adebayo Oyenubi about the significant transformation and the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

To start, the phrase “Building Smarter, Not Harder” is catchy, but what does it really mean for Construction professionals in Nigeria and quantity surveyors in Nigeria?

‘Building Smarter, Not Harder’ for Construction professionals means “Adopting Lean Construction Principles(minimizing waste and improving processes), enhancing technology(use of digital tools and platforms, BIM, Drones—IoT sensors, Improving Planning & Collaboration, Prioritizing Quality and sustainability. For the Nigerian Quantity Surveyor, it is fundamentally about a paradigm shift from traditional, often manual, and reactive practices to a data-driven, proactive, and efficient workflow. It means leveraging Artificial Intelligence to automate tedious tasks, such as elemental cost measurement and data entry, freeing professionals to focus on high-value activities, including complex cost analysis, risk management, and strategic decision-making. In a market often plagued by project delays and cost overruns, “smarter” means using predictive analytics to foresee challenges before they hit the site, thereby optimizing resource management and enhancing profitability.

How would you describe the current level of AI integration within Nigeria’s construction industry, and how does this compare to global trends you’ve observed?

AI integration in Nigeria is still in its nascent stages, particularly when compared to highly digitalized global markets in North America or Europe, where AI and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are more established. While many Nigerian firms have adopted basic computer usage and some software for estimation, core AI applications remain limited. However, there is a growing interest and recognition of its potential. Interestingly, a recent survey indicated that Nigerian engineers were among the most frequent daily users of AI globally for tasks such as design work, suggesting an eagerness to adopt new technology once it is available. The gap lies in the depth of integration and the availability of sophisticated local infrastructure.

Many professionals fear AI will replace human roles. As a Quantity Surveyor with membership across several professional organizations, what is your message to the profession regarding job displacement versus role transformation?

My message is clear: AI is a powerful enhancement tool, not a replacement. I was privileged to speak at the NIQS Osun State Investiture, and I made that clear in my statement. AI is intended to take over repetitive tasks, not professional judgment. The human element—ethical decision-making, negotiation skills, site experience, and stakeholder collaboration—remains irreplaceable. The profession is transforming, and the key to remaining relevant is upskilling. We must embrace digital literacy and data science skills. Quantity Surveyors who adapt will evolve into “BIM Managers” or “AI integration specialists,” managing digital workflows and providing more accurate, data-backed advice than ever before. Those who do not will become irrelevant and outdated. This we must understand is the most consistent thing in life- change.

Can you provide specific, real-world examples of how AI can be used today on Nigerian construction sites to achieve better cost control and efficiency?

While widespread integrated adoption is limited, pilot projects and some leading firms are exploring AI in niche areas. Examples include: 

Automated Estimation: Using machine learning to analyze past project data and historical costs to generate more accurate initial cost estimates, reducing human error. This proactive approach helps avoid budget overruns caused by sudden price hikes and minimizes project delays due to supply chain snags, a frequent issue in Nigeria. Instead of manual, error-prone measurements from paper blueprints, Quantity Surveyors (QS) use AI-powered software (such as STACK, Togal.AI, Planswift, and Cost X) to automatically extract quantities from digital designs and Building Information Models (BIM). This dramatically speeds up the pre-construction phase, improves estimate accuracy, and frees up QS professionals for more strategic, value-added tasks, reducing labor costs associated with manual processes.

Predictive Risk Analytics: AI models (e.g., Autodesk Construction) can analyze thousands of data points to predict potential delays or cost overruns due to local supply chain volatility, enabling cost managers to intervene proactively. This helps with effective resource allocation and enables proactive adjustments to project plans, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, a major factor in controlling costs.

Material Management Optimization: AI can help forecast material needs more accurately, minimizing waste, a significant challenge in Nigeria, and optimizing logistics. Specifics like Kojo, Conwize, Oracle, etc.

What specific AI tools are proving most effective in mitigating traditional Nigerian construction challenges like material wastage and project delays?

To mitigate material waste, AI tools reduce it primarily through precise estimation and optimized inventory management, thereby preventing the traditional Nigerian challenge of over-ordering materials. Togal.AI, PlanSwift, Cost X, onscreen take off etc: These automated takeoff tools digitize measurements from blueprints with up to 98 per cent accuracy. This eliminates manual estimation errors that frequently lead to surplus material waste on Nigerian sites. However, there must be human oversight. Zoho Inventory and  Inflow: Identified as frequently used in regions like Lagos, these AI-enhanced inventory tools automate stock tracking and demand forecasting to prevent material deterioration from prolonged on-site storage. Generative Design (e.g., Autodesk Forma, Autodesk Fusion 360, Market, Testfit): These tools optimize architectural layouts during the design phase to minimize the actual quantity of raw materials needed for structural integrity. These can be used for Site planning, Layout optimization, Structural design, Façade design just to mention a few. Project delays in Nigeria, often caused by poor scheduling or unforeseen risks, are being mitigated through predictive analytics and real-time site monitoring.  ALICE Technologies: This scheduling engine simulates thousands of “what-if” scenarios to find the most efficient path. If a delay occurs—such as a labor strike or material shortage—it can instantly generate a new optimized schedule to recover lost time. Buildots and OpenSpace: These tools use 360-degree cameras (often mounted on hard hats) to capture site progress. The AI compares actual progress against BIM models, automatically flagging discrepancies or work falling behind schedule. nPlan: Using historical data from millions of past schedules, nPlan predicts which specific tasks are most prone to delays, allowing managers to allocate resources proactively. Drones Deploy automate high-cost site surveying, providing real-time data for progress monitoring and identifying bottlenecks that manual inspections might miss.  Strategic Integration Tools

For broader operational efficiency, Nigerian firms are adopting comprehensive platforms that unify these AI capabilities.  Procore (with AI Copilot): Used by larger enterprises to automate document reviews (RFIs and submittals) and provide predictive risk alerts for safety and scheduling.

Zepth: Offers AI-driven dashboards specifically for risk, cost, and quality insights, helping managers maintain financial control and prevent budget-driven delays. Autodesk Construction Cloud: Integrates AI for clash detection, identifying design conflicts early to avoid the costly rework and delays common in complex Nigerian infrastructure projects

While adoption faces challenges like cost and skills gaps in Nigeria, these tools offer significant boosts to efficiency and project completion.

Corruption and lack of transparency are historic issues in Nigeria’s construction sector. How can AI-powered systems, particularly in procurement and project monitoring, enhance accountability and reduce financial leakages?

AI offers a powerful mechanism for transparency and accountability.

Automated Auditing: AI systems can track every transaction and procurement decision, instantly flagging anomalies or deviations from standard procedures, making financial leakage harder to conceal. Transparent Procurement: Implementing smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements on a blockchain platform, can automate payments upon verifiable completion of work stages, removing discretionary human intervention that often fuels corruption. Real-time Monitoring: AI integrated with site monitoring tools provides an unbiased, continuous record of project progress, which can be shared with all stakeholders, improving trust and ensuring projects align with initial budgets. 

What are the primary barriers hindering the broader adoption of AI in the Nigerian construction industry?

The barriers are multifaceted: High Initial Cost: The capital required for advanced hardware (like high-performance GPUs) and software is a major deterrent for many local firms, especially SMEs.

Inadequate Infrastructure: Unreliable power supply and inconsistent internet connectivity significantly disrupt the continuous operation and data processing required by AI systems.

Talent Shortages: There is a notable gap in professionals with the requisite AI and data science skills, a challenge exacerbated by the ‘brain drain’.

Cultural Resistance: A lingering resistance to technology by some stakeholders and the fear of job losses present a cultural barrier that needs addressing through awareness and education.

Nigeria has unique challenges, such as unreliable power supply and a varying digital infrastructure. How can AI solutions be tailored to thrive despite these local limitations?

Solutions need to be robust and localized. We must focus on:

Cloud-Based Solutions with Offline Capability: Utilizing cloud services for heavy processing (once connectivity allows) but ensuring core functionalities can run offline during power outages.

Localized Data Repositories: Developing in-house or industry-wide localized databases to reduce reliance on international cloud services, addressing both connectivity and data security concerns. Simplified User Interfaces: AI tools should be designed with simple, intuitive interfaces that minimize the need for on-site IT specialists.

Data is crucial for training AI algorithms. Do you think there is a concerted effort within the Nigerian industry to create high-quality, standardized local cost databases necessary for effective AI implementation?

Efforts have been ongoing for years to establish a formidable construction cost data bank in Nigeria, primarily through initiatives by the NIQS (Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors). I still remember the days when cost books were published for each state of the federation. However, widespread standardization remains a challenge due to the industry’s fragmentation and the lack of a universal data-sharing culture. The current National AI Strategy encourages digitization across sectors to generate comprehensive datasets, which I hope will improve data availability and quality for future AI training. 

What specific initiatives do you think the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and other professional bodies in Nigeria undertake to train their members and bridge the digital skill gap?

While I may not be very elaborate about other professional bodies, I can speak about the NIQS, and I believe the NIQS recognizes the urgency of this transition. This is exemplified in the following programs sponsored by NIQS. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programs: The institute regularly organizes mandatory CPD activities, lectures, and seminars that increasingly cover digital technologies, BIM, and AI applications to enhance competence.

Collaboration: The NIQS FCT Chapter, for instance, has collaborated with agencies like NITDA to host workshops on digital transformation, including AI and blockchain.

Advocacy for Education: We advocate for the integration of modern digital tools and AI literacy into university curricula to prepare the next generation of quantity surveyors. I am aware that the Stakeholder Validation workshop with the National Universities Commission in November 2025 is one example. The NIQS FCT Chapter Workshop in September of 2025 etc.

The professional boundaries between quantity surveyors and other professionals sometimes blur in Nigeria.

 How can leveraging AI tools help define and solidify the Quantity Surveyor’s essential role in the digital age?

AI helps solidify our role as the undisputed experts in construction economics. By utilizing AI for precise cost modelling, predictive analysis, and value engineering, Quantity Surveyors can provide insights that other professionals simply cannot match manually. We become the “architects of change” in the built environment, using data analytics to inform design, manage costs, and enhance overall project viability, reinforcing our unique and critical function.

Are there any conversations at the regulatory or government level about creating a national framework or policy to guide the ethical and effective use of AI in Nigerian construction?

Yes, the conversation is active. Nigeria does not yet have a single law specifically regulating AI in construction, but the government has launched initiatives such as the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). A comprehensive National AI Strategy has been unveiled, and a proposed AI Bill is in the works, which aims to align with the existing Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 to ensure data privacy, transparency, and accountability in AI use. This shows commitment to a structured, ethical adoption of AI. 

In five years, what do you predict the average Quantity Surveying practice in Nigeria will look like with AI integration?

In five years, I foresee the average sophisticated Nigerian practice being significantly more efficient and tech-enabled. They will be cloud-connected, leveraging BIM and AI for most routine tasks. The reliance on manual methods will diminish, replaced by real-time data input from sites via mobile devices and potentially IoT. QS professionals will be more integrated into multi-disciplinary digital teams, offering faster, more accurate preliminary cost advice and becoming essential risk managers rather than just historical cost counters.

For young construction professionals and students in Nigeria, what key skills should they focus on developing today to remain relevant in this AI-driven future?

They must prioritize a blend of traditional expertise and digital proficiency.

Digital Literacy: Proficiency in BIM software, data analytics platforms, and general AI tools is non-negotiable.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: AI provides the data, but humans must interpret it and solve complex, non-standard problems.

Communication and Collaboration: Working within digital ecosystems requires seamless communication across various professional teams.

Adaptability: Technology will continue to evolve, so a mindset of lifelong learning is essential.

Finally, what is the most critical action the Nigerian construction industry needs to take right now to fully harness the potential of AI for sustainable development and cost efficiency?

The most important action is to prioritize collaborative investment in robust digital infrastructure and capacity building. This requires a partnership among the government, private-sector firms, and professional bodies such as the NIQS to address the fundamental barriers to power supply, internet access, and skill shortages concurrently. We need a shared vision and a concrete digital transformation roadmap for the entire industry to move from interest to execution.