Nigeria's TETFund chief Sonny Echono calls for local‑material research to curb housing deficit

Sonny Echono TETFund local building materials housing deficit National Research Fair

Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, warned that nearly 80 % of building materials used in Nigeria are imported and called for research into locally sourced alternatives. He urged architects, especially female practitioners, to lead efforts that would produce affordable, climate‑responsive housing and create millions of jobs.

Echono said TETFund’s National Research Fund has been expanded beyond universities to support innovative research from all sectors of society. The agency will host a National Research Fair in November at Eagle Square, Abuja, where architects and other researchers can showcase their solutions.

Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) Chair Arc. Ene Agada presented Echono with an award recognizing his support for education, research, and women’s empowerment in the built environment.