OSASU EDIONWE

The rapid advancement of smart technologies has significantly influenced various sectors, particularly in urban development and infrastructure management. This study explores the ‘prospect of smart building development in Nigeria, using Benin City as a case study’. The increasing rate of urbanization in Nigeria, projected to reach 70% by 2050, necessitates the adoption of innovative solutions to tackle infrastructural challenges and enhance the quality of life for citizens. Smart buildings, which integrate advanced technologies such as the Internet of
Things (IoT), automation systems, and energy-efficient solutions, present a viable opportunity to improve resource management, energy efficiency, and sustainability in urban environments. The study aims to assess the current state of building infrastructure in Benin City, identify the potential benefits of smart buildings, and evaluate the challenges hindering their widespread adoption. The research adopted a survey research design, employing both primary and secondary
data collection methods. Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to Estate Surveyors, Engineers, Architects, and Quantity Surveyors in Benin City, with a total of 205 valid responses analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, The findings revealed that while there is growing awareness of smart building technologies, several barriers persist, including high initial capital costs, limited awareness among stakeholders, inadequate
regulatory frameworks, and infrastructural deficiencies such as poor internet connectivity and unstable electricity supply. The study highlights the numerous benefits of smart buildings, including enhanced security systems, energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and optimized resource management. However, it also underscores the need for government intervention through supportive policies, public awareness campaigns, and financial incentives to encourage the widespread d adoption of smart building technologies. The research concludes that while the adoption of smart buildings in Nigeria is still at a nascent stage, strategic collaborations between the government, private sector, and educational institutions could pave the way for a more sustainable and technologically
advanced urban environment. This study serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, urban planners, developers, and academics, providing insights into the prospects of smart building technologies and offering recommendations to foster their growth in Nigeria's built environment.

This study investigates the impact of the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) on residential property management in Abuja Metropolis. The aim was to examine the extent of IoT adoption, evaluate its benefits in enhancing property management efficiency, and identify the challenges hindering widespread implementation. A survey research design was employed. Structured questionnaires were administered to 52 out of 184 real estate firms operating in Abuja and 25 out of 125 smart home users. The responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools to assess patterns of adoption, perceptions, and outcomes of IoT utilization in residential property management. Findings revealed that IoT adoption significantly improved security, energy efficiency, remote monitoring of facilities, communication between managers and tenants, and overall tenant satisfaction. Real estate firms acknowledged IoT as a tool for reducing operational costs and ensuring proactive maintenance. However, challenges such as high installation and maintenance costs, inadequate digital literacy among users, poor awareness, and unstable internet connectivity were identified as major barriers to full- scale adoption.