DOWNLOAD PDF DOWNLOAD XML AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS ON THE PROCUREMENT OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The construction industry is a unique industry given the nature of its products and the huge financial requirements necessary for the actualization of these products. The role of the industry as an economic regulator cannot be overemphasized as evident in the amount of spending observed in the industry during periods of economic boom or recession; moreover, the product of the construction industry is consumed by virtually every other industry in the economy. It is common knowledge that construction products are complex in nature and require substantial amount of finance to actualize. Quantity surveyors are construction industry professionals saddled with responsibility of ensuring financial probity in the conceptualization and execution of both new works and refurbishment works in the construction industry; they are critical stakeholders in the construction industry procurement system as they are quite visible in the processes leading to the selection of a suitable contractor. To this end, this paper seeks to portray the critical role of professional ethics in the procurement procedure for construction contracts in the Nigerian construction industry. Recommendations were made on what must be done to eliminate unethical practices in the procurement process including the need for continuous training and re-training of professionals in the construction industry by respective professional bodies to ensure that relevant ethical standards are imbibed this the authors believe will give impetus to sustainable development.