By Marvel Adeyemi

As Nigeria grapples with the twin challenges of climate change and rapid urbanisation, one visionary is charting a bold path towards a greener, smarter housing future: Dr Nkolika Joy Peter, a renowned estate surveyor and valuer, academic leader and passionate sustainability advocate.

With over a decade of experience bridging academic research and real estate practice, Nkolika is spearheading a transformative shift in how Nigerians understand housing, energy use, and environmental stewardship. Her groundbreaking studies, including ‘Effects of Climate Change on Residential Properties’ and ‘Comprehensive Review of Biofuel Utilization for Household Cooking in Developing Countries,’ are shaping national conversations around the future of built environments in Africa.

At the core of her work is the belief that sustainable housing is not a luxury but a necessity. Nkolika Peter champions the use of renewable energy systems and eco-friendly materials in home construction, thereby blending indigenous resources like mud, timber and thatch with innovative recycled technologies to promote buildings that are both climate-resilient and cost-effective.

Her research demonstrates that adopting green practices such as solar panel installations, greywater recycling, and biogas cooking can significantly reduce household utility costs while improving environmental outcomes. These solutions, she argues, offer scalable pathways to reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint without sacrificing quality of life.

Beyond sustainability, Peter is also a vocal advocate for the integration of smart home technologies. She explores how the Internet of Things, IoT, and powered systems can optimise energy use, automate home management, and enhance comfort. Yet, she remains pragmatic about the challenges identifying Nigeria’s limited infrastructure, technical skill gaps and affordability issues as key obstacles. To overcome these, she calls for strategic investment in research, capacity building, and robust public-private sector collaboration.

Currently serving as the Coordinator of the Department of Estate Management at Lagos State University, Dr. Peter plays a dual role as a researcher and mentor. She is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of real estate professionals who are equipped to tackle Nigeria’s evolving housing needs with innovation and integrity.

With more than 50 published works to her name and active participation in global forums on climate resilience, property valuation, and construction management, Peter’s influence extends well beyond academia. Her thought leadership is helping shape both policy frameworks and practical solutions for sustainable urban development.

Through her relentless pursuit of innovation, Nkolika Peter is redefining what the Nigerian home can be where sustainability meets technology, and tradition gives way to transformation.