Abstract
The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, with conventional materials like concrete and steel accounting for nearly 40% of energy-related CO₂ emissions. While sustainable alternatives such as wood and brick offer significant environmental benefits, their application within the Nigerian institutional building sector remains marginal. This study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) of 25 scholarly publications (2015–2025) to evaluate the environmental, structural, and economic feasibility of integrating wood and brick into Nigeria’s public infrastructure. The findings indicate that engineered timber and stabilized earth bricks significantly reduce a building's carbon footprint through sequestration and lower embodied energy. Technically, the study highlights that fast-growing tropical wood species can be successfully engineered for multi-story construction, while the high thermal mass of brick improves indoor comfort in Nigeria’s hot-humid climate. Economically, earth-based materials offer a data-proven cost advantage over sandcrete blocks. However, widespread adoption is hindered by technical knowledge gaps among professionals, negative cultural perceptions regarding material prestige, and a lack of standardized building codes. The study concludes that transitioning to these materials requires a shift in public procurement policy, specialized professional training, and the establishment of local material standards to ensure long-term structural and environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s built environment.