The Roles of Construction Professionals in the Nigeria’s Construction Industry

Abstract

The study traced the history of construction industry, surveyed its development at the present time and described the intensity of competition and roles of each professional among the existing professionals in the Nigeria’s construction industry. Data for the study were collected through well-structured questionnaire directed to construction professionals in the private and public sectors. Data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution table and relative significance index. It revealed that the roles of the Architect are to produce detailed working drawings and specifications (93% significance). The roles of the Builders are to ensure the adequate preparation of project health and safety (94% significance), preparation of construction methodology (93%), preparation of construction programme (90%), and preparation of project quality and management (86%). The Estate surveyors and Valuers are to prepare the valuation of construction works (91% significance), preparation of feasibility and viability appraisal of construction projects (81%), and Construction project management (70%). The Engineer on the other hand is to calculate the load and stresses that the structure can safely withstand (99% significance). The Land Surveyor performs building location survey (96% significance), Provides site plan (73%), Foundation location (69%), and Prepare construction layout (67%). Furthermore, the Town planner’s roles are to prepare Road utility design survey (95% significance), Design layout and draft design statement (94%), and Protect environment and architectural heritage (89%). The roles of the Quantity surveyor are to prepare bill of quantities (100% significance), Estimate cost relating to construction materials, time and labour and cost advise (94%), Variation of work in progress and materials on site for interim payment (87%), The study recommended that there should be strict regulations and implementation of laws by the body of each profession guiding against function overlap among the professionals in the construction industry.