Abuja, June 17, 2026 – Professionals in Nigeria’s interior design industry have stressed the importance of deeper collaboration, wider adoption of technology and stronger professional standards to drive growth within the built environment sector.
The call was made during the Abuja Interior Design Summit 2026 organised by the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN).
The summit, themed “Balancing Nature, Culture and Technology in the Digital Age,” attracted interior designers, real estate developers, construction experts, suppliers and other stakeholders to discuss emerging trends and challenges in the industry.
Delivering her opening address, the Chairperson of IDAN FCT, Anthonia Ode, said modern design practice must effectively blend environmental sustainability, cultural heritage and technological innovation.
She noted that while technological advancement continues to transform industries globally, there is also an increasing need to preserve cultural identity and reconnect people with nature through thoughtful design.
According to Ode, the objective is not to prioritise one element over another but to create spaces that harmoniously combine culture, technology and environmental considerations while promoting human wellbeing.
She added that the summit was designed to encourage knowledge sharing, innovation and strategic partnerships that would help shape the future of Nigeria’s design industry.
Speaking at the event, IDAN National President, Jacqueline Aki, described interior design as a critical contributor to national development and economic growth.
She explained that the quality of interior spaces in schools, healthcare facilities, workplaces and public institutions has a direct impact on productivity, wellbeing and the long-term value of infrastructure assets.
Aki urged professionals within the built environment sector to strengthen cooperation and develop frameworks that would support sustainable industry advancement.
Also addressing participants, IDAN founder, Titi Ogunfere, encouraged designers to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while maintaining strong professional expertise and cultural relevance.
She argued that technology should be viewed as a tool for enhancing creativity, efficiency and innovation rather than a replacement for skilled professionals.
Ogunfere further advocated stronger partnerships among professional associations, educational institutions, media organisations and other stakeholders to advance the profession and improve standards.
She emphasised that quality education remains essential for developing professionals capable of meeting both domestic and international expectations.
In a keynote presentation, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described interior design as an important segment of Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
Represented by the Presidential Adviser on Arts and Culture, Moriam Ajaga, the minister acknowledged that technological developments have broadened access to global design trends and opportunities.
However, she cautioned against neglecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage in the pursuit of innovation, adding that efforts were underway to develop policies, funding mechanisms and investment opportunities to support the creative sector.
She also disclosed that government was exploring initiatives aimed at increasing the engagement of Nigerian designers in public infrastructure and institutional projects.
The summit featured panel discussions on technology, collaboration and cultural integration in design practice.
During one of the sessions, President of the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria, Dr Amos Alao, examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies on the future of design.
Cultural designer and advocate for Afrocentric architecture, Nmadili Okwuamabua, encouraged professionals to create solutions rooted in indigenous knowledge, local materials and African realities instead of depending heavily on foreign concepts.
Security specialist Jennesse Haruna highlighted the increasing adoption of smart building technologies and stressed the need to integrate security considerations and community engagement into design processes.
Professor Dolapo Amole of Obafemi Awolowo University emphasised the importance of specialised training, noting that industry growth depends on professionals who can combine local understanding with global best practices and technological competence.
In her closing remarks, Rakiyat Odunsi encouraged stakeholders to continue championing designs that reflect cultural values, embrace innovation and promote environmental sustainability while strengthening cooperation across the industry.