A student of the Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Khalid Oyenuga, returned as a speaker at Big 5 Construct Nigeria 2026, further extending his engagement with professionals and stakeholders in Nigeria’s built environment.
Big 5 Construct Nigeria is a major construction industry event that brings together developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals across the built environment. The 2026 edition was held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, from Tuesday, September 22, to Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Oyenuga, who made his debut as a speaker at the event in 2025, returned this year to present on the theme, “Green Buildings in Practice: Delivering Sustainable Projects in Nigeria.” His presentation examined practical approaches to sustainable construction while challenging the perception that green buildings are expensive, unsuitable, or not cost-effective in the Nigerian context.
Drawing on three Nigerian case studies, Oyenuga highlighted the potential economic and environmental benefits of incorporating sustainability into construction projects. The case studies featured the MOWAA Institute in Benin City, the Peridot Parkland residential estate in Badagry, and the Alaro City infrastructure masterplan in the Lekki Free Zone.
In his presentation, Oyenuga addressed the widening gap between awareness and the adoption of green building practices among construction professionals. He also examined the influence of first-cost considerations on decisions by developers and designers, arguing for greater attention to the long-term operational savings associated with sustainable construction.
Using the selected case studies, Oyenuga demonstrated different approaches to sustainable development within the Nigerian context and highlighted how sustainability principles can be applied across different types and scales of projects.
The presentation generated engagement among participants and prompted discussions on practical, evidence-based approaches to integrating sustainability into Nigeria’s construction pipeline.
Oyenuga is a Tomorrow’s Leaders Champion of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and served as Events and Logistics Co-lead of the UNILAG Students’ Union (ULSU: 2025/2026 administration).
His consecutive appearances at Big 5 Construct Nigeria as an undergraduate reflect his growing engagement with professional conversations beyond the university environment. His participation also highlights opportunities for UNILAG students to engage directly with practitioners and contribute to conversations shaping the future of their respective professions.
