A Nigerian construction expert, Oludare Gbenga, has proposed the use of disused cargo containers as an affordable solution to the country’s massive housing shortage. Gbenga, who is the founder of Kontekture Construction Systems Limited, shared this idea during an online discussion on sustainable housing.
Nigeria’s housing deficit is estimated at around 20 million units, with many low-income earners struggling to afford decent shelter due to the rising cost of traditional building materials. Gbenga believes the solution lies in repurposing the thousands of shipping containers that enter the country yearly.
“In 2016 alone, about 350,000 shipping containers came into Nigeria,” he said, explaining that many of them are abandoned because of the high cost of returning them to their countries of origin. “These containers can be converted into durable, affordable homes.”
Gbenga said this form of construction, popularly known as “Cargotecture”, offers a practical way to provide shelter to the masses. He noted that a single shipping container can last up to 25 years, making it a solid investment for housing purposes.
“These containers are made to carry heavy weight and are corrosion-resistant. Instead of letting them go to waste, we can recycle and convert them into homes,” Gbenga explained. “The cost of modifying a container is also cheaper than building with cement and blocks.”
He added that container houses are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. “They promote recycling and reuse of materials. It is a green solution to housing.”
Cargotecture is already gaining popularity globally, with countries in Europe and Asia adopting the method for both residential and commercial buildings. Gbenga believes Nigeria should not be left behind.
“A container is already perfectly shaped and strong. You can stack them as high as needed depending on your design. If you stack them properly, you don’t even need extra steel support,” he said.
He, however, warned that if containers are not aligned correctly during stacking, additional steel structures must be added to maintain strength. “When cutting the container to create doors or windows, you must also support the structure. The corrugated walls work together with the base and top to maintain the container’s strength. If you cut without support, it may sag,” he said.
Addressing concerns around insulation and safety, Gbenga said fiberglass is the preferred material for heat resistance, placed in the ceiling. “It’s better than polystyrene. It keeps the house cooler,” he said.
He also spoke about fire hazards, referring to an incident at a gym in Abuja that was built with containers. “I believe the fire happened because of the way the wires were run and the presence of flammable furniture,” he noted. “But generally, the soundproofing of containers is better than block houses.”
Gbenga called on the Nigerian government to support this initiative. While private developers are beginning to adopt container housing, he said government involvement could fast-track adoption and help solve the housing problem for the poor.
“We need the government to make this a national housing policy. It is fast, affordable, and sustainable. It will reduce the pressure on land and cement,” he said.
He concluded by saying that Nigeria’s housing problem may be complex, but cargo containers offer a simple and practical way to tackle it.
