Evaluation of Sustainable Procurement Strategies in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract

The Nigerian construction industry contributes mainly to the country’s development and as such construction processes must be sustainable to create a healthy place for all. One process that majorly contributes to the success of construction projects is procurement. Procurement is important throughout every phase of a construction project from design to construction and this is why sustainability must be introduced into the process. This study sheds light on the current procurement methods in Nigeria and evaluates the current sustainable procurement strategies. Obstacles construction companies encounter, risk measurement in tenders/contracts, factors influencing the decision of procurement officers during purchase and policies that can be implemented by construction companies in Nigeria are all objectives of this research.

The research started by studying the concept of sustainability, sustainable construction and sustainable procurement, both generally and in the Nigerian context. Procurement policies in Nigeria, transition models for sustainability and change theories have also been studied. Three case studies of different projects and an analysis of the questionnaire that was distributed to different construction professionals in Nigeria gave the author more insights on the topic.

The research indicates that sustainable procurement is pivotal in the successful completion of a sustainable construction project which is achievable although the current situation says otherwise. Findings from the questionnaires reveal that even though some construction professionals claim to understand sustainability, in practice this is not the case. Outcomes from the case studies reveal that sustainable procurement is possible in Nigeria and more awareness on the topic is required.