Nigeria Upgrades Expressway With Concrete

The Nigerian construction industry is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating an average annual increase of 3.1% between 2026 and 2029. This expansion is largely fueled by government investment in infrastructure and housing projects, creating a demand for skilled professionals. The sector contributed approximately ₦6.5 trillion (4% of GDP) in 2024 and is expected to grow by around 7% in 2025. The contract for the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway was re-awarded to CBC Global Civil & Building Construction Nigeria Limited after the previous contract with Kopek Construction Company was terminated due to slow progress. The project is now part of a larger government initiative to use more durable concrete pavement technology, which is expected to reduce long-term maintenance costs and disruptions. The reconstruction, which began in October 2025, is anticipated to be completed in 2028. For business graduates targeting construction, roles like Assistant Project Manager, Field Engineer, and Estimator are common entry points. An Assistant Project Manager supports senior managers in planning and executing projects, offering a direct view of the construction process. Field Engineers provide on-site technical support, ensuring design specifications are met, while Estimators are crucial in the pre-construction phase, calculating project costs, including labor and materials. A business degree provides a strong foundation in key areas like financial management, project planning, and strategic thinking, which are highly transferable to construction management. When interviewing without direct field experience, it is crucial to emphasize these skills. Prepare examples of how you have successfully managed budgets, coordinated teams for a project (even academic ones), and solved problems analytically. Express a strong willingness to learn the technical aspects of construction on the job. The B2B sales cycle in the construction industry is often long, and building strong relationships with contractors is paramount. Success in this area involves understanding the specific needs of different buyer personas, such as contractors, specifiers, and procurement teams. Offering solutions that address their specific challenges, like cost reduction or increased efficiency, is more effective than simply listing product features. Several major construction firms operate in Nigeria and across Africa, offering potential employment opportunities. In Nigeria, prominent companies include Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), and Setraco Nigeria Limited. On a continental scale, companies like China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), The Arab Contractors, and Orascom Construction are key players in large-scale infrastructure projects. When preparing for a construction management interview with no direct experience, focus on demonstrating your potential. Research the company's recent projects and be ready to discuss how your business acumen can contribute to their success. Frame your lack of experience as an opportunity for the company to mold you into their ideal employee, emphasizing your quick learning ability and strong work ethic. Entry into the construction sector can also be achieved through related roles that provide valuable experience. Positions such as construction laborer, apprentice in a trade, or even a site maintenance worker can offer foundational knowledge of how a construction site operates. This hands-on experience, combined with a business degree, can create a powerful combination for future management roles.