The potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform Nigeria’s built environment is shown in a new global survey, which finds adoption of the technology in the sector is outpacing other countries.
Embracing AI: Reshaping Today’s Cities and Built Environment examines attitudes and adoption of AI by those shaping our cities across 10 countries – Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
The survey, commissioned by global sustainable development consultancy Arup, asked engineers, architects, city planners, and digital leaders in the built environment how they are using AI. The research found that almost half (46%) of professionals across Nigeria’s built environment sector are using AI every day in one way or the other. They reported using specific AI tools for city and infrastructure design far beyond chatbots and large language models like ChatGPT.
These tools include large scale simulations, evolutionary algorithms, and science-based AI. Design work, project management, and supporting better decision making are the most popular uses for the technology in the country.
The survey found overwhelmingly positive attitudes towards AI with almost 83% of Nigerian respondents seeing it as an opportunity. Only 7% see it as a risk to jobs.
Many respondents believe AI can help projects be delivered on time and on budget, while also helping to tackle the climate and nature crises – citing solutions such as waste reduction, developing sustainable materials, and optimising renewable energy.
The vast majority of professionals in Nigeria (93%) believe it is important to have ethical guidelines for AI in the built environment. More than half (55%) also have apprehension about the dominance of global tech companies in AI development.
Arup commissioned the research to show how AI is already changing the way cities and infrastructure are designed. The firm is calling for increased focus on developing AI tools that can help decarbonise the sector and restore nature, while delivering resilient infrastructure for a growing global population. In 2024 there was $252 billion of corporate investment in AI.
Arup AI experts argue if just 10% of this investment was used to design AI for major challenges in the built environment, it could help radically transform the sector and improve people’s lives.
Arup is already using AI-powered tools to augment the expertise of technical experts. They can help model nature-based solutions that protect people from heatwaves and floods, and helped inform the design of Alaro City, which aims to be the largest and most economically sustainable city within Lagos. AI is also helping extend the life of critical infrastructure like offshore wind turbines and bridges for decades, significantly reducing cost and carbon emissions.
Tom Wilcock, Digital Services Leader for the UK, India, and Middle East at Arup, commented: “This survey shows the scale and pace of AI adoption for the design of cities and infrastructure in Nigeria has been impressive, outpacing many countries around the world. But we need to make sure the technology delivers the sustainable and inclusive infrastructure – from sustainability to growth that meet’s people’s needs.
“For AI to have the biggest impact we need to embrace new approaches in industries that are often risk averse, with deeper collaboration on technology development and data sharing.”