High Cost of Iron Rods in Nigeria Leads to Increased Use of Bamboo in Construction

The high cost of iron rods in Nigeria has led to engineers and builders exploring alternative construction materials, with bamboo emerging as a viable option. Bamboo, a woody plant with hollow stems, is now being used in place of iron rods for casting pillars and decking in building constructions.

This shift towards bamboo is driven by the skyrocketing prices of building materials, forcing homeowners to seek cheaper alternatives for construction. Some engineers are now using bamboo laced with construction wires to cast decking and pillars of buildings, a practice previously uncommon in the construction industry.

Andrew Asaga, a building engineer, explains that while iron rods are traditionally used for their rigidity and firmness in building constructions, bamboo can also serve this purpose to some extent. He notes that bamboo is being used either alone for pillars or mixed with iron rods for decking, offering a cost-effective alternative to the expensive iron rods.

The cost of iron rods has significantly increased, with prices ranging from N10,000 to N30,000 depending on the size, which is double the price from the previous year. This surge in prices has made it challenging for building developers to make profits, as clients often delay responses to quotations, leading to further increases in material costs.

The use of bamboo in construction is not without challenges, as Mrs. Fatimetu Momoh, a bamboo seller, highlights the increase in the price of bamboo from N400 per bamboo to N1500. Even used bamboo now sells for N900, up from N200, due to logistical challenges and levies on the road.

Despite the economic challenges, Nigerians continue to find innovative ways to adapt and survive, even in the face of adversity. The use of bamboo in construction is just one example of how resilience and creativity are shaping the construction industry in Nigeria.