Women In Construction: Love Samuel’s Journey in Nigeria's Building Industry

Hi everyone, Simon Zaku here, founder of ibifoundry.com.ng. I’m incredibly excited to share one of our very first guest articles, and it’s truly something special.

This piece comes from Love Samuel Olufemi, a remarkable female builder breaking barriers in Nigeria’s construction industry.

Love’s passion for sustainable building practices and her journey as a woman in a male-dominated field is nothing short of inspiring. She’s a trailblazer, championing eco-friendly construction methods while advocating for diversity and gender inclusion in the industry.

Without further ado, I’ll let Love take it from here. Dive into her compelling story, and let’s celebrate the impact women like her are making in Nigeria and beyond. Over to you, Love!

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My Journey in the Nigerian Building Industry (by Love Samuel)

Let me tell you a story;

At just nine years old, I dreamed of building homes. Like many Nigerian children, I played with sand houses and crafted dollhouses from cardboard, imagining a future where I could bring structures to life.

Little did I know that life had a different, even more challenging, path in store for me.

My name is Love Samuel, and I am from Taraba State, I want to talk about my experiences as a woman in construction.

“Leave construction, go back to the Kitchen”

Today, as a female builder in Nigeria's construction industry, I’ve faced bias and broken barriers, but the journey has been one of resilience and purpose.

My Journey: From Dreams to Building Reality

My initial dream was to become an architect, a career that felt natural given my knack for drawing.

However, as often happens in Nigeria, I was placed on a different path.

Instead of designing buildings, I learned to construct them. I studied Building at the University of Jos, Plateau State, and embarked on a six-year educational journey that would shape my career as a female builder in an industry dominated by men.

This field demanded more than technical skills—it required resilience.

As a woman, I have had to prove my worth repeatedly, often being underestimated or outright dismissed.

I’ve been told to “go back to the kitchen,” but these experiences only fueled my determination to thrive and pave the way for other women in construction.

Breaking Stereotypes: Challenges Women Face in Construction

The construction industry in Nigeria is a tough arena, especially for women.

From securing contracts to gaining respect on construction sites, biases often cast a shadow over our capabilities.

I’ve faced artisans who doubted my ideas and clients hesitant to trust my expertise.

But change is happening!

More women are stepping into this space as engineers, architects, project managers, and builders, proving that diversity enhances innovation.

The industry benefits immensely when different perspectives come together to solve problems and deliver better results.

Sustainable Construction: The Future of Nigeria’s Building Industry

One of my biggest passions is sustainability. Nigeria is ripe for a green construction revolution, and I’m committed to integrating eco-friendly materials into our building practices.

Materials like bamboo, clay, and recycled steel not only reduce environmental impact but are also locally sourced and cost-effective.

By promoting sustainable practices, we can reduce our carbon footprint and build durable, energy-efficient structures.

This approach benefits the environment and addresses Nigeria's need for affordable housing solutions.

The future of construction lies in embracing these methods, and I’m determined to lead by example.

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Builders

As more women enter the construction industry, it’s clear that there’s room for everyone to excel.

My goal is to inspire young girls to pursue careers in building and design. Through mentorship and advocacy, I aim to break down barriers and show that women can lead in construction and beyond.

By fostering gender diversity and embracing sustainability, we can create an industry that values creativity, skill, and environmental responsibility.

Together, we can build a better future—for Nigeria, for women, and the planet.

Conclusion - A Win for the Nigerian (& International) Construction Industry

The construction industry in Nigeria is evolving, and women are at the forefront of this transformation.

My journey, though challenging, has been deeply rewarding, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.

By empowering women and promoting sustainable practices, we can reshape the industry and make it more inclusive and environmentally conscious.

Would you like to share your thoughts or experiences?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

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