We will build 55,000 energy-efficient, eco-friendly houses in the next five years – Dr. Dare Osunkojo
In this insightful interview with LANRE SHODIMU, the Managing Director/CEO of Kaniz Construction Ltd, Dr. Dare Ayodele Osunkojo, shares his company’s innovative approaches, industry leadership, and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s construction industry.
Could you provide a brief overview of Kaniz Construction Ltd?
Kaniz Construction Limited, a private limited company founded in 2008, has established itself as a trusted name in the construction industry. With over a decade of experience, the company is renowned for its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, consistently delivering projects that meet or exceed client expectations. Kaniz Construction Limited has a diverse portfolio of construction projects, including single-family homes, apartment complexes, housing estates, office buildings, shopping centres, and mixed-use developments.
The company offers a range of services, including general contracting, managing the entire construction process from procurement to execution, design-build services, providing a single point of contact for both design and construction, project management, coordinating various aspects of construction projects to ensure timely and budget-friendly completion, and renovation and restoration, upgrading and restoring existing structures to meet modern standards and client needs.
Kaniz Construction Limited operates under a hierarchical structure, with a management team overseeing various departments, including project management, engineering, procurement, and finance, with key positions including CEO, CFO, COO, project managers, and specialised engineers and builders. The company is committed to sustainable building practices, innovation in construction techniques, and maintaining high standards of safety and quality in all its projects.
Walk us through your professional journey in construction and Real Estate…
Alright! I was born on September 29, 1972, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and grew up with a passion for building and development. I pursued my education in estate management at Yaba College of Technology and Polytechnic Ibadan, followed by my National Youth Service with the Federal Housing Authority in Abuja. I then worked with Ora Egbunike & Associates, gaining valuable experience in estate management and surveying.
In 1997, I established Adeniyi Osunkojo & Associates in Abuja, which became a major player in the housing sector. Later, in 2008, I founded Kaniz Construction Limited, which has grown into a leading construction firm under my leadership as Managing Director and CEO. We’ve built numerous projects in Abuja, including Kaniz Homes Estate Karsana, and plan to build at least 55,000 houses in the next five years for high and middle-income earners.
Throughout my career, I’ve attended various courses in project management and financing, both locally and internationally. I’m a member of professional bodies like the Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria. I’ve also founded several companies, including Kaniz Homes Ltd, Kaniz Project Ltd, and KHL LUXURY Estate, which are all major players in the Nigerian economy.
I’m committed to youth empowerment and have been recognized for my outstanding achievements in transforming the estate and construction management sector, including an award from the European-American University on April 29, 2023.
What are the biggest challenges facing the construction industry in Nigeria, and how is Kaniz Construction Ltd addressing them?
The Nigerian construction sector grapples with an array of challenges, including logistics planning inefficiencies, regulatory and bureaucratic bottlenecks, skilled labour shortages, high material costs, and economic instability, which are further exacerbated by economic fluctuations and inflation, leading to project delays or cancellations.
At Kaniz Construction Ltd, we’re tackling the industry’s challenges with a proactive and multi-faceted approach. We’re enhancing logistics planning through strategic investments in robust planning tools and local material sourcing, while establishing on-site facilities to counter infrastructure limitations. To navigate regulatory complexities, we’re leveraging legal expertise and fostering collaborative relationships with regulatory bodies to ensure seamless approvals and compliance. Our response to the skilled labour shortage includes comprehensive training and development programs, as well as apprenticeships and internships to cultivate a skilled workforce. We’re also reducing material costs through local sourcing, bulk purchasing, and optimised inventory management.
Furthermore, we’re mitigating economic and financial risks by diversifying our project portfolio and clients, while maintaining a robust financial management system. By addressing these challenges head-on, we’re confident in our ability to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget, despite the industry’s obstacles.
Share with us the core principles that drive Kaniz Construction Ltd’s mission and vision…
At Kaniz Construction Limited, we prioritise delivering high-quality construction projects that meet or exceed client expectations through strict adherence to industry standards, quality materials, and attention to detail. Our customer-centric approach ensures open communication, transparency, and commitment to meeting deadlines and budgets. We also focus on innovation and sustainability by incorporating modern technologies and environmentally friendly methods to minimise ecological impact.
Upholding integrity and ethical practices, ensuring a safe working environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration, engaging with local communities, and committing to continuous improvement are also core principles that guide our strategies and operations. These principles align with our mission and vision to be a leader in the construction industry, delivering innovative solutions while prioritising quality, excellence, and customer satisfaction.
How has Kaniz Construction Limited demonstrated its commitment to meeting Nigeria’s housing demands over the years?
Kaniz Construction Limited is committed to playing a vital role in addressing Nigeria’s housing shortage through a multifaceted approach. By developing affordable housing projects, expanding residential developments, and collaborating with government agencies and private sector stakeholders, we aim to increase access to quality housing for low and middle-income households. Our comprehensive strategy addresses the complex housing challenges facing Nigeria, demonstrating our dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of its citizens.
We prioritise sustainable development practices, building energy-efficient homes with eco-friendly materials and promoting green building standards. Community engagement and social responsibility are essential to us, supporting local initiatives, providing employment opportunities, and investing in infrastructure improvements.
Our commitment to quality and safety is unwavering, ensuring high-quality construction and maintaining rigorous safety standards. By addressing housing needs through these initiatives, we aim to provide accessible, sustainable, and safe housing options for Nigerians, aligning with the country’s growing demand for affordable and quality housing.
What’s your company strategy for expanding its services and reach in Nigeria?
Our company’s strategy for expanding its services and reach in Nigeria is built around four key pillars: market penetration and geographic expansion, service diversification, investment in technology and innovation, and enhancing operational efficiency.
We will penetrate new markets by targeting emerging regions, establishing branch offices, and forming strategic partnerships with local stakeholders. We will also diversify our services by introducing new offerings like interior design and facility management, and develop expertise in specialised construction areas like green building and infrastructure projects.
Investing in technology and innovation is crucial, so we will adopt modern construction technologies like BIM and prefabrication, and develop digital platforms for project management and client interaction. To enhance operational efficiency, we will streamline processes, optimise supply chain management, and focus on recruiting and training a skilled workforce.
Additionally, we will strengthen our brand identity and reputation through targeted marketing campaigns, engage in corporate social responsibility activities, and promote sustainable construction practices. By implementing these strategies, we aim to increase our presence in Nigeria, expand our client base, and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
What role does Kaniz Construction Limited play in supporting Nigeria’s affordable housing goals, and how does the company contribute to increasing the availability of affordable homes?
Kaniz Construction Limited contributes to Nigeria’s affordable housing initiatives by developing affordable housing projects, utilising cost-effective construction techniques, and leveraging economies of scale to reduce costs. We collaborate with government bodies through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to access land, infrastructure support, and subsidies, making affordable housing projects more viable. Additionally, we participate in national housing programs, such as the Federal Government’s Social Housing Scheme, to align our projects with broader national goals and help reduce the housing deficit. Through these strategies, we aim to increase the availability of affordable homes while ensuring quality and sustainability.
How does Kaniz Construction Ltd stay up-to-date with industry trends and technological advancements?
At our company, we prioritise continuous learning and growth to stay ahead in the industry. We achieve this through regular training and workshops for employees, encouraging professional certifications and industry courses, and participating in national and international conferences and seminars.
We also maintain membership in professional associations and industry bodies, collaborate with technology providers, and invest in research and development to explore new construction methods and technologies. Additionally, we engage with startups and innovators through innovation hubs and competitions.
Our goal is to ensure our employees and services remain up-to-date with the latest industry developments, and we achieve this through a combination of these strategies. By doing so, we can deliver high-quality services to our clients and stay competitive in the industry.
What role does Kaniz Construction Limited play in promoting sustainable building practices in Nigeria’s construction Industry?
At Kaniz Construction Limited, we’re committed to promoting sustainable building practices in Nigeria’s construction industry through a comprehensive approach that includes incorporating green building materials and locally sourced materials, implementing energy-efficient designs and water conservation strategies, reducing waste through recycling and modular construction, integrating renewable energy sources and energy storage solutions, pursuing green building certifications, promoting sustainable urban planning, educating stakeholders on sustainable practices, advocating for sustainable construction through public forums and policy discussions, and engaging with local communities and environmental organisations to amplify our sustainability initiatives.
By implementing these strategies, we aim to reduce the environmental footprint of our construction projects, promote sustainable development, and set a benchmark for sustainable building practices in Nigeria’s construction industry.
