West Africa is experiencing one of the fastest rates of urban growth in the world, with cities such as Lagos, Accra, and Abidjan expanding rapidly. Africapolis projects that by 2050, the region will be home to vast mega-agglomerations as Africa’s urban population doubles.
Ajibola Akindele, Country President for Nigeria at Schneider Electric West Africa, said this transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for the building sector. “The demand for new infrastructure is urgent. From apartments and offices to hospitals and hotels, we must build and upgrade at speed to match urbanisation. But speed must not come at the cost of safety, sustainability, or efficiency,” he cautioned.
According to Akindele, many buildings in the region appear modern but conceal outdated and uncertified systems that compromise safety and energy efficiency. To prevent this, Schneider Electric advocates for smarter construction through Building Management Systems (BMS), which integrate energy, safety, and operational controls on a single platform.
BMS, he explained, can cut energy use by up to 40% by optimising power, lighting, ventilation, and cooling systems. In regions where electricity is costly and unreliable, such savings are both strategic and economic. A Frost & Sullivan study further shows that coupling BMS with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind enables buildings to reduce reliance on the grid and achieve cost savings of up to 30%.
Retrofitting older buildings is another solution Schneider Electric champions. Akindele noted that retrofits can modernise existing structures without the need for full reconstruction, bringing improvements in energy use, air quality, and compliance with safety standards.
Safety also remains a critical factor. A well-integrated BMS can detect faults, prevent overloads, and coordinate fire and security systems in real time — capabilities that are vital in sectors like healthcare and hospitality where uninterrupted service is non-negotiable.
Beyond efficiency and safety, BMS also supports sustainability by integrating renewable power, managing microgrids, and even optimising water and waste systems — key needs for urban centres facing resource strain.
While BMS was once limited to high-end properties, falling costs and modular designs now make it accessible to smaller businesses, retail outlets, and even residential estates.
“The pace of urbanisation in West Africa will only accelerate,” Akindele stressed. “If we want resilient, safe, and sustainable cities, we must start building smart now. The future of our urban centres depends on it.”
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
