Nigerian Construction Industry Research Articles

Effect of blockchain technology adoption on construction supply chain: a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach

Purpose The construction industry is frequently scrutinised by the public for a variety of issues, including waste, inefficiency, narrow profit margins, scheduling setbacks, budget overruns, quality concerns, trust deficits, transparency issues, coordination challenges, communication issues and fraud. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of blockchain technology adoption on the construction supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative research approach through a questionnaire survey that was conducted among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry using the snowball sampling method, which resulted in a selection of 155 respondents. The collected data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling, enabling a thorough assessment of the proposed relationships and offering valuable insights specific to the construction industry. Findings The study’s findings validated the conceptual framework established. The results indicated that implementing blockchain across all stages of the construction supply chain has the potential to improve the construction process. The study also revealed that blockchain technology will significantly affect the construction supply chain in a positive manner. Research limitations/implications This research was carried out in the South-western region which is one of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using a cross-sectional survey method. The study holds implications not only for local construction practices but will also contribute to the broader discourse on national construction sector challenges and possible solutions. Practical implications The findings of this study will be immensely beneficial to both professionals, practitioners and stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry in learning about the potential of blockchain technology application in improving the construction supply chain. Originality/value The study in this paper constructed and evaluated a conceptual framework by exploring the connections between the variables. The results have significant implications for the construction sector, as they provide avenues for enhancing the construction process and the overall supply chain. These findings are valuable for researchers examining the potential effects of blockchain technology on the construction supply chain.

A Comprehensive Review of the Impact of Perceived Power Sector Instability on Foreign Partnerships in the Nigerian Construction Industry

The study explores the impact of perceived instability in Nigeria's power sector on the construction industry. The emerging economy has seen significant growth, attracting foreign investments for infrastructural development. However, persistent challenges and perceived instability raise concerns about reliability and sustainability. Key factors include power outages frequency, power supply adequacy, and regulatory responsiveness. The study also examines the correlation between power sector stability and investment climate, considering factors like project delays, cost overruns, and financing impacts. The findings aim to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics between perceived power sector instability and foreign investments in the construction industry and propose policy recommendations to foster a more sustainable and resilient investment environment. Keywords: Power Sector, perceived power Instability, Foreign Investment, Construction Industry, Infrastructure Development, Regulatory Framework.

Barriers to digital technologies-driven circular economy in the Nigerian construction industry

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate barriers to the adoption of digital technologies (DTs) in the circular economy (CE) transition in the construction industry. The aim is to quantitatively investigate what the barriers to DTs-driven CE are in the Nigerian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA review of existing literature identified 32 barriers to DTs-led CE. A well-structured quantitative research questionnaire was developed and administered to construction experts using a convenient sampling technique via hand delivery and Google form. The gathered data were analysed using arrays of both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.FindingsThe study revealed that the awareness of the digitalisation of CE is high, but the adoption is low. Five themes of the leading 10 factors responsible for the low adoption of DTs in CE transition in the Nigerian construction industry are (1) finance and demand barrier, (2) data management and information vulnerability, (3) skills shortage and infrastructure challenge, (4) poor government and management support and (5) interoperability and resistance problems.Practical implicationsThis study could be helpful to decision-makers and policy formulators, which would provide an avenue for higher adoption of DTs in CE transition in the construction industry, better performance and environmental protection. It also provides a foundation for further research efforts in Nigeria and other developing countries of Africa and beyond.Originality/valueStudies on the barriers to DT adoption in CE transition are still growing, and this is even non-existent in the Nigerian construction context. This offers a unique insight and original findings by pioneering the identification and assessment of barriers to the digitalisation of CE transition in Nigeria’s construction industry.

Scrutinizing the level of awareness and adoption of distributed ledger technology in the Nigerian construction industry

Scrutinizing the level of awareness and adoption of distributed ledger technology in the Nigerian construction industry

From isolation to interaction: evaluating social media awareness and adoption in a developing construction industry

PurposeAlthough social media has gained prominence as a communication and marketing tool in various sectors, its adoption and utilization within the construction industry remain relatively underexplored. Therefore, this study fills this gap by evaluating the level of awareness and the extent of adoption of social media within the Nigerian construction industry, shedding light on its current status and potential impact.Design/methodology/approachThis objective was attained via a quantitative research approach that utilized a structured questionnaire to obtain responses from construction professionals such as architects, builders, engineers, quantity surveyors and estate managers. Frequencies and percentages and the mean item score (MIS) were used to analyze the questionnaire responses and assess the overall awareness and adoption of social media among construction professionals. Additionally, the Kruskal–Wallis H-test provided valuable insights into the variations in social media adoption levels among different professional categories within the construction industry.FindingsThe results indicate that construction professionals possess a generally high level of awareness regarding various social media platforms. However, despite this awareness, the extent of adoption does not align with the level of awareness, suggesting that adoption rates are not as widespread as anticipated.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study underscore the importance of not just awareness but also effective adoption and utilization of social media platforms. While awareness is a crucial first step, construction firms should focus on implementing strategies to encourage greater adoption and integration of these platforms into their daily operations. This can go a long way in bridging the awareness – adoption gap which was revealed in this study.Originality/valueWhile the limited existing research on social media in the construction industry has predominantly concentrated on areas such as marketing, addressing the root causes of fatalities, data environment tools and business branding, none have undertaken a thorough evaluation of social media awareness and adoption within the sector. This study fills a critical gap by narrowing its focus to the adoption dynamics and the technology’s potential impact on communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing among construction professionals.

Adopting Sustainable Practice: the Benefits to the Nigerian Construction Industry

The negative impacts of construction activities on the environment have become a global concern, which has caught the attention of researchers worldwide. One medium to encourage the adoption of sustainable construction practices and curb this global menace is the identification of their benefits. Thus, this research seeks to explore the benefits of adopting sustainable practices in the Nigerian construction industry. A total of (26) benefits were extracted from an extensive review of relevant literature which was then used to formulate a well-structured questionnaire distributed to construction professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 216 responses were received and found usable for analysis. The responses were analyzed using mean scores, factor analysis, and reliability tests. The findings showed that the major benefits of adopting sustainable construction practices in Nigeria are improved environment, clients and user satisfaction, enhanced quality of life, improved productivity, and reduced cost. The study concluded that, when the project lifecycle is taken into account, sustainable construction tends to save 18% of the total project cost, making it less expensive than conventional construction. Therefore, it is proposed that governments and construction stakeholders educate clients about the benefits of sustainable practices during building operations, as highlighted in this study, in order for them to be implemented effectively.

Empirical assessment of the impacts of Sino-African cross border relations in the construction industry: a Confirmatory Factor Analysis approach

PurposeIt is no news that Chinese construction companies are highly motivated to invest in Africa in terms of infrastructure and construction. This influx from the beginning of the millennium marked a game-changer for infrastructural development in most African countries. This study, therefore, explores how the partnership between China and Africa has impacted the construction industry in Africa with a focus on Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was adapted for the study, which is descriptive in nature, and the primary participants of the study were core construction professionals within the Nigerian construction industry. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire, and multivariate statistics was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe study results revealed that the benefits accrued from Chinese participation in the African construction industry can be classified into three distinct categories: socio-economic development through construction, land transportation system development and construction industry development. The study further revealed that Chinese involvement has been most beneficial to the development of the land transportation system in Nigeria with more investment in the construction and maintenance of roads and railways.Originality/valueThe study will serve as a basis for making informed future decisions on Chinese participation in the Nigerian construction industry as it exposes the impacts of the relationship within the current system. The outcome of this study can be used to refocus the partnership to ensure the optimum development of the local construction industry. The government and other relevant agencies can use the findings from this study to ensure that there is sustainable growth in the local construction industry through Chinese participation.

Flawed Institutional Structures: Project Managers Underutilized in Nigeria’s Construction Industry

Many studies have been conducted on the poor performance of the construction industry. Nigeria’s construction industry has been linked to project delays and cost overruns, leading to many abandoned construction projects throughout the country. These issues are largely attributed to inadequate project management practices and the underutilization of project managers. To address these challenges, an institutional analysis was conducted to examine the factors, within the institutional framework of the Nigerian construction industry, that hinder the effective utilization of project managers and the implementation of project management practices. Data were collected from the previous literature and were supported by data collected through semi-structured interviews in Nigeria. The collected data were coded into a four-level framework for institutional analysis. This method was employed to analyze the interrelationships between the identified embedded factors, institutional laws and regulations, and construction organizations, and to understand how their influence results in the underutilization of project managers. Deviation analysis was conducted as an additional method to categorize the impacts of the embedded factors at each institutional level and to determine how these impacts contribute to the underutilization of project managers in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). It was found that the system of the underutilization of project managers consists of two subsystems: underutilization and lowering commitment. For the former subsystem, corruption, political influence, religious and tribal discrimination, and organizational culture were found to adversely influence the institutional structure of the construction industry in Nigeria. These factors weaken the governance mechanisms within the industry, leading project managers to prioritize corrupt practices over project needs. The ineffectiveness of existing laws and regulations exacerbates the situation, supporting unfair working conditions and contributing to the underperformance of project managers. This result leads to development at the top of the latter subsystem, with minimal incentives and limited opportunities for career growth within construction organizations. The findings hold significant potential for addressing systemic issues in the Nigerian construction industry, particularly the underutilization of project managers and organizational support measures to improve project management practices and mitigate the adverse effects of corruption.

Leveraging Capitalization for Enhanced Project Delivery in the Nigerian Construction Industry: A Sustainable Risk Management Approach

The Nigerian construction industry grapples with challenges such as low profit margins, cost overruns, and project abandonment, necessitating robust risk management strategies. This study investigates the impact of capitalization on sustainable risk management within large construction firms in Nigeria. Data from 198 firms were collected via questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources, revealing significant benefits of capitalization including increased turnover, risk reduction, and improved image. The findings underscore the importance of integrating risk management evaluation into construction procurement processes to optimize project delivery. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable development in the construction sector by advocating for strategic capitalization as a means of mitigating risks and enhancing project outcomes. Keywords: Capitalization, project delivery, risks, risk management, sustainability

Modelling business performance from marketing practices of architecture firms in Nigeria

Purpose This study aims to establish marketing practices which predict business performance of architecture firms within the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI) to address the sustained poor business performance of firms, which affects allied professionals as many projects in the built environment depend on design proposals from architects. Design/methodology/approach Survey responses from 86 firms were used to model business performance measured as total revenue of the firms from 40 commonly deployed marketing practices in construction. Findings Two-thirds of the marketing practices most used by architectural firms were ineffective in predicting business performance. The model also explains up to half the variance in business performance (37.4–49.9%), supporting the view that marketing in the CI affects business performance. Researching client needs and competitors emerged as the only significant positive predictor of business performance (β = 0.827, p = 0.043). Using social media (β = −1.247, p = 0.004), regular participation in awards/competitions (β = −1.420, p = 0.013) and inclusion of political offers in bids (β = −1.050, p = 0.016) negatively predicted business performance. Practical implications Architecture and allied professional bodies in Nigeria need to rethink existing restrictions regarding marketing based on traditional code of ethics in light of present-day realities of digital and internet business environments. Principals and management of architecture firms require a paradigm shift in deploying the appropriate marketing practices, especially as it relates to research regarding changing client expectations and current competition within the NCI. Originality/value The study established marketing practices which model business performance and demonstrate their value in a framework for improving the financial sustainability of architecture firms within the NCI.

Bolstering circular economy in construction through digitalisation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the potential benefits of digital technologies (DTs) in bolstering the circular economy (CE) transition in the construction industry, to speed up the attainment of sustainable development objectives. Design/methodology/approach A detailed literature review was undertaken to identify DTs that could influence CE transition and the benefits of these DTs in the CE transitioning efforts of the construction industry. Based on these, a survey questionnaire was formulated and administered to construction professionals using convenient sampling techniques. With a response rate of 49.42% and data reliability of over 0.800, the gathered data were analysed using frequency and percentage, mean item score, normalisation value, coefficient of variation, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, analysis of variance and factor analysis. Findings This study found that the construction experts agreed that building information modelling, blockchain technology, RFID, drone technology and cloud computing are the leading DTs that have the potential to influence and speed up CE transition in construction. Also, six clusters of benefits of DTs in bolstering EC are quicken CE transition, proactive waste management, recycling and zero waste, data management and decision-making, enhance productivity and performance and resource optimisation. Originality/value Studies on the integration of DTs in CE transition are scarce and it is even lacking in the Nigerian context. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to assess the role of DTs in CE transitioning in the Nigerian construction industry.

Barriers to Building Information Modelling Adoption in Small and Medium Enterprises: Nigerian Construction Industry Perspectives

The widespread adoption of building information modelling in the construction industry faces significant obstacles, particularly among small and medium-sized construction enterprises. This research accessed barriers to building information modelling adoption among small and medium enterprises in the Nigerian construction industry. The study obtained quantitative data from 182 participants out of the 200 questionnaires that were distributed. A combination of descriptive and exploratory factor analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26, and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test and Bartlett’s sphericity test were conducted to check data adequacy and reliability. The study findings clustered five factors from the 25 identified barriers to BIM adoption in SMEs in the Nigerian construction industry. They are functionality and compatibility, risk and the unavailability of BIM resources, inadequate awareness of BIM, inadequate clients’ demands and support, and stakeholders’ skills gaps. The study recommends training opportunities for construction professionals, government facilitation through incentives, and safeguarding intellectual property linked to BIM-oriented projects. Collaboration among construction stakeholders would also increase client awareness and knowledge sharing on modern technology, such as BIM adoption in SMEs in the construction industry.

Drivers and Barriers of Timber for Building Construction in Nigeria: A Case Study of Akure, Ondo State

Timber, as a building material, when effectively maximized, can be used to ensure sustainability and low-cost housing. Timber, with its great qualities and abundance of availability in Nigeria, has predominantly been confined in its usage in building construction in Nigeria to the unseen and peripheral components of a building. It is sparsely used for structural reasons, mostly limited to the roof structure, furniture fittings, doors, and decorative purposes in some cases. As such, this research responds to that call. This paper aims to explicitly examine the drivers and barriers of its usage and adoption for building construction in Nigeria using Akure South Local Government, Ondo State, as the case study. The research confronts the topic by conducting a literature analysis of the possible use of timber in building construction, as well as its qualities and challenges as a building material. Questionnaires were also designed to investigate the factors that could promote its use and the barriers that are hindering its adoption in the Nigerian construction industry. A random sampling method was used to collect the required data from a total population size of 60 building professionals. A statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical package for social science. Results indicated that timber is a recognized building material, but its utilization in the Nigerian construction industry is restricted. This limitation is attributed to perceived challenges, including concerns about susceptibility to water damage and fire and a lack of technical expertise in utilizing timber for various building components. The study recommends that the usage of timber should be advanced through collaboration and training about the use of timber among building construction experts and also that building codes that would guide the use of timber in building construction should be worked on and included in the Nigeria national building codes as this would help to improve its awareness and encourage its use in the building industry.

Team commitment and performance of construction project in Nigerian construction industry

<p>Project success requires team commitment, which is a product of an encouraging culture of cooperation and teamwork among project team members. The research work aims to ascertain which components of team commitment affect the performance of construction projects in Nigeria. The research adopted a quantitative design where questionnaires were used for data collection. Out of 1233 questionnaires distributed, 975 were received with valid responses and used for data analysis. Data were analysed descriptively using percentage, mean score, and relative agreement index. The study showed the factors of team commitment having an effect on project performance, as rated by the respondents, to be: Normative component: “Project team members owe a great deal to this organisation”; “Members of the project team do not feel it is right to quit the project before completion”; “This organisation has a great deal of personal meaning for project team members”. Affective component: “This organisation deserves the loyalty of project team members”; “The project team considers the team’s problems as their own. Then, “One of the few negative consequences of leaving this organisation will be the scarcity of available alternatives” is for continuance. In conclusion, the emotional attachment of the team members and sense of obligation to the project team and construction organisation are the driving forces behind pushing for the successful outcome of projects within the Nigerian construction industry.</p>

Strategic drivers for the deployment of energy economics principles in the developing construction industry: A Nigerian perspective

AbstractIn developing countries, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the factors that drive the adoption and utilization of energy economics principles (EEPs). EEPs encompass a diverse set of strategies and practices designed to encourage energy efficiency, promote the adoption of renewable energy sources, and foster sustainable energy practices among construction stakeholders. Despite their potential benefits, such as reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the specific drivers influencing the implementation of EEPs in developing countries. Therefore, this study addresses this knowledge gap by examining the primary drivers for utilizing EEPs in the Nigerian construction industry. To achieve this objective, a quantitative research approach was adopted. Close‐ended questionnaires were developed and distributed to professionals in the construction industry, encompassing architects, builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors. The normality of the data was confirmed through univariate skewness and kurtosis analysis. Based on the relative importance index (RII) and mean scores, the highest‐ranked driver was government policies and regulations, followed by economic growth and job creation. Environmental sustainability ranked third, while energy cost savings and return on investment occupied the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Through exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation, six key criteria that drive the adoption of EEPs were identified: financial‐related drivers, environmental‐related drivers, social‐related drivers, government‐related drivers, technological‐related drivers, and behavioral‐related drivers. By identifying these six distinct clusters of drivers, this study enhances the understanding of the drivers for implementing EEPs, ultimately facilitating the transition to more energy‐efficient and sustainable practices in the construction sector and beyond.

Sustainability Assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste Material

Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) constitutes a substantial portion of waste generated during construction activities, ranging from 15 to 30% globally. This waste category poses environmental threats, impacting health and the environment, particularly in Nigeria. This research investigates the environmental and economic implications of C&DW in the Nigerian construction industry, systematically addressing types, causes, and disposal methods. The study explores potential reuse through Circular Economy (CE) strategies. The literature review encompasses CE principles and Construction Waste Management in Nigeria. Employing quantitative research methods, questionnaires were administered to a selected group, revealing respondents' recognition of economic benefits from proper waste management. However, a lack of incentives and facilities for diverse disposal methods emerged as a significant challenge. Recommendations include government regulations, incentives for recycling facilities, and educational initiatives emphasizing the advantages of a circular economy. Emphasis is placed on effective information dissemination to stakeholders. This research contributes valuable insights for industry professionals, policymakers, and government entities, offering a foundation for sustainable waste management practices in the Nigerian construction sector.

Breaking barriers: Unearthing the hindrances to embracing energy economics principles in Nigerian building projects

The implementation of energy economics principles (EEPs) in sustainable construction and environmental mitigation is widely acknowledged. However, limited research has focused on the hindrances faced in implementing these principles in the context of developing countries. To address this research gap, this study examines these hindrances from the perspective of professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. Existing hindrances were extracted from extant studies using a systematic literature review with predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria which helped formulate the questionnaire. Through the application of exploratory factor analysis, five clusters of hindrance factors were identified, encompassing financial constraints, inadequate policies and regulations, insufficient technological infrastructure, lack of awareness and education and stakeholder-related challenges. Furthermore, the multinomial regression analysis confirmed that the hindrances related to financial constraints, inadequate policies and regulations and insufficient technological infrastructure are the most significant barriers. This study advances scientific knowledge on the hindrances to the adoption of EEPs in Nigerian building projects, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in the context of the Nigerian construction industry. Findings from the study will inform policymakers, industry professionals and other stakeholders about the key challenges that require attention and intervention, facilitating the development of targeted strategies and initiatives to overcome these barriers effectively.

A Predictive Model for POP Cement Prices in the Nigerian Construction Industry

This study was aimed at formulating a model to predict the price of Plaster of Paris (POP) cement using a multiple linear regression modelling technique. The prices of POP cement were predicted between the fiscal years 2024 and 2030, given the prices between the fiscal years 2017 and 2023. Secondary data were obtained for the Interest Rates, Inflation Rates, Naira exchange rates against the US Dollar, Population growth rates, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates between 2017 and 2023. Primary data were obtained to investigate the prices at which POP was sold between the fiscal years 2017 and 2023. Exponential trends forecasting was used to forecast the above decision variables or factors affecting the price of POP cement between 2024 and 2030. A multiple linear regression model was derived for the prediction of the POP cement prices between the said years. The model was found fit, adequate, and of a high predictive attribute with an R2 value of 0.99. This study will help in the proactive planning of effective cost management for building construction projects in which POP cement was used. It will reduce problems and challenges of cost overrun on construction projects in the Nigerian construction industry.

Students’ perception of strategies for effective lean knowledge in future Nigerian construction industry

Purpose Waste has been a major challenge in the construction industry. Lean concepts have been adopted in developed nations to overcome waste. However, developing countries are still faced with the challenge due to a lack of strategies for effective lean knowledge by construction practitioners. The purpose of this research is to identify the strategies for lean knowledge in the future Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This was achieved through a case study of a Nigerian university. Assignments and questionnaires were the two instruments used for data collection in the study. Content analysis was adopted to analyse the data obtained from the assignments, while statistical tools such as correlation and ANOVA analysis were used to analyse the questionnaire data. Findings The findings of the study showed that the introduction of lean theory into students’ academic curriculum, lean practical classes and collaboration between universities, industry and lean construction institutes are some of the critical strategies for adequate lean knowledge in the future Nigerian construction industry. Research limitations/implications The study is case-based and focused on a single university. The study did not also put clients’ level of lean knowledge as well as future required acquaintance into consideration. Practical implications This study is important as it will enable students to have an adequate understanding of the concept of lean construction right from a higher institution level. This study will enable students to put the knowledge into practice in the construction industry, hence eliminating waste or NVAAs in future construction projects. Originality/value The findings of the study could enhance concerted efforts by universities, lean construction institutes and the construction industry towards an intentional and systematic delivery of lean knowledge that will reduce waste in future Nigerian construction projects. Further studies should be carried out to identify the success factors required by clients for effective lean knowledge in construction projects.

Influence of emotional intelligence attributes on human resource management practices implementation in the Nigerian construction industry

Purpose The workforce upon which the construction industry relies, known as human resources (HRs), faces challenges such as poor management, inadequate implementation of human resource management practices (HRMPs) and psychosocial issues. This study aims to identify and assess the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) attributes on the implementation of HRMPs in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI) to enhance business performance as well as the performance and productivity of HRs. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was used to gather expert perspectives on specific EI attributes. Data analysis involved the use of interquartile deviation, median, standard deviation, mean, Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings The study identified 12 EI attributes that influenced HRMPs implementation, with 1 attribute having a very high impact (9.00–10.00) and 11 scoring high impact (7.00–8.99). Further analysis using EFA resulted in the identification of two major attribute clusters: “team relationship” and “self-management”. Practical implications These findings have significant implications for construction professionals, HRs and policymakers, as they address the challenges faced by construction stakeholders in terms of physical and mental well-being, which can affect their emotions while carrying out construction activities. Construction organizations should consider incorporating support systems into their policies to influence HRMPs implementation in the workplace. Originality/value The study provides valuable insights for developing nations such as Nigeria regarding the essential EI attributes for successful HRMPs implementation.