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Femi Akintunde, Group Managing Director (GMD) of Alpha Mead Group, has called for increased financial backing and strategic investments to drive sustainable construction across Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking at a recent workshop titled “Financing Green Building Solutions: Access Bank’s Role in Promoting Sustainable Construction for the Future,” Akintunde highlighted the long-term economic advantages of green buildings, despite their higher initial costs.
“Sustainable buildings may seem expensive upfront, but the operational savings over time make them a smart investment. With the right design and value engineering, we can significantly reduce costs, making green buildings both accessible and financially viable,” he stated.
He urged real estate stakeholders to deepen their knowledge of green construction and affordable housing, emphasizing that industry evolution is necessary to stay relevant. “We must commit to learning about sustainable building solutions because this is the future. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of our built environment and preserve it for future generations,” he added.
The Role of Financing in Green Construction
Addressing financing challenges, Akintunde stressed the need for accessible and affordable funding to accelerate the adoption of sustainable building practices.
“For green building to truly gain momentum, we need available, accessible, and affordable financing. Without these, progress will be slow, and delays are not an option,” he warned.
While acknowledging the risks associated with real estate investments, he reassured financial institutions and investors that working with credible developers reduces these risks. “Real estate investments come with risks, but partnering with experienced developers mitigates them and positions investors for strong returns,” he explained.
He also encouraged developers to take a proactive approach in structuring financial solutions that support sustainability, noting that expertise in securing financing is crucial for managing investment risks.
Ensuring Financial Transparency in Real Estate
Akintunde referenced a statement by Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), regarding recent anti-corruption recoveries, including a 700-unit estate in Abuja. He emphasized the need for financial transparency in business operations.
“When raising capital, businesses must ensure their sources are legitimate. Funds should not be used as a means of laundering money under the guise of real estate investment,” he cautioned.
He further explained that authorities scrutinize projects with disproportionately large cash equity contributions, which may lead to investigations. However, he reassured that as long as funds come from legitimate sources, there is no reason for concern. “Regulators are not out to disrupt business, but developers must ensure that their equity is genuinely theirs and legally obtained,” he stated.
Innovation and Speed in Construction
Highlighting Alpha Mead’s innovative approach to construction, Akintunde revealed that the company’s advanced technology allows them to complete homes in just 10 to 15 days. He noted that in a volatile economy, speed directly translates to cost savings.
“In an environment of rising costs and high inflation, every day saved on-site results in significant cost reductions. Efficiency is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” he emphasized.
Reiterating that sustainable construction is not a passing trend but an inevitable industry shift, Akintunde urged developers, financial institutions, and policymakers to collaborate in making sustainable housing more accessible.
“Green building is the future. The sooner we embrace this reality, the better positioned we’ll be to create long-term value—for businesses, investors, and society at large,” he concluded.
His presentation served as a call to action for industry stakeholders to drive the transition toward greener, more cost-effective building solutions by leveraging innovative technologies and ensuring adequate financing.
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About Alpha Mead Group
Alpha Mead Group is a leading Total Real Estate Solutions company providing end-to-end business support services to local and international real estate investors and owners. The company specializes in Facilities Management and Technology, Real Estate Development, Advisory, and Training.
Founded in 2006, Alpha Mead has grown into an industry leader, collaborating with global technical partners to enhance business efficiency, uphold environmental responsibility, and drive superior financial performance for clients.
With operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, South Africa, the UAE, and over 10 other African countries, Alpha Mead is committed to engaging top talent, optimizing processes, and delivering high-quality spaces for living, working, and leisure. The company aims to be among the top three largest and best real estate firms worldwide, redefining the industry through innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
For more information, visit www.alphamead.com.