By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe
Built environment professionals have advised against adopting container housing as a permanent residential solution, citing high costs, technical challenges, and sustainability concerns.
Mr Tosin Kadiri, Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Lagos Branch, gave the advice when he led a delegation to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), Lagos Operations, on a courtesy visit on Tuesday.
Kadiri noted that while container structures might be useful for temporary purposes such as construction sites, studies showed that converting shipping containers into long-term homes could be more expensive than conventional building methods.
He added that such projects required specialised expertise, including skilled bricklayers and engineers, to address issues related to structural strength, insulation, and ventilation.
He further explained that although reusing containers might help reduce environmental waste, more research was needed to improve their heat control and energy efficiency for comfortable long-term living.
The chairman also stressed the need for strict regulation in the construction sector.
He urged that all building materials, especially iron rods, should be certified by the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratories to prevent the use of substandard products.
He emphasised the importance of clearly defining the roles of civil, structural, and architectural engineers, adding that proper coordination by project managers was essential for safe and durable buildings.
On infrastructure, the expert noted the growing opportunities in real estate investment, particularly along major development corridors such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He observed that improved road networks and reduced travel time along new coastal routes were increasing property values.
He advised investors to buy property in developing areas to benefit from future returns, noting that the cost-to-benefit ratio in such locations was favourable.
He also assured that property owners affected by government projects would be compensated before any acquisition, in line with existing laws.
He further highlighted ongoing reforms in the planning system in Lagos, stating that the recently launched electronic physical planning permit process had made approvals faster and reduced delays.
The expert reiterated that obtaining proper permits was compulsory before carrying out building renovations or structural changes.
He explained that any modification affecting a building’s structure or height required new architectural and structural drawings, adding that exceeding approved plans was not allowed in many cases.
Kadiri advised property owners to consult qualified architects, especially when working on rooftops or making major changes.
The chairman added that older buildings could receive retroactive approval if they met current standards and urged developers to engage local stakeholders to avoid disruptions during construction.
He stressed that adherence to professional standards and regulatory guidelines was key to ensuring safety, protecting investments, and promoting sustainable urban development(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
