and Abandonment of Construction Project
Delivery in Nigeria
FEATURED PAPER
By Godson Kelechi and Nwogu Prince Chinemerem
Rivers State University
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
Given that the construction industry is a major contributor to economic growth, its challenges cannot be ignored. The study investigated the factors responsible for failure and abandonment of construction project delivery in Nigeria. The main purpose of this study is divided into two which include identifying factors responsible for the failure and abandonment of construction project delivery in Nigeria, as well as measures used by key stakeholder to mitigate these challenges. The research initiated with preparation of an exhaustive literature review on the issue by different writers. The survey design of the research had two hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires administered to professionals in both public, private sectors as well Rivers State, Imo State, Abia State Enugu and Ebonyi States located South East part Nigeria and as such 35 questionnaire were given to Project Managers while 50 to builders, 40 to Architects, 40 to Civil Engineers, 55 to Quantity Surveyors and only 30 for Clients. Two hundred (200) questionnaires out of the total Two-hundred fifty 250 administered were successfully returned which was used them for this study. Design of standard questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale to obtain responses from Professionals in Nigerian construction industry in both public and private sectors in Nigeria on data gathering and Relative Importance Index (RII) were generated using Microsoft Excel 2016 to handle the analytical tools.
Based on the result of a study, there are about fifty factors causing or contributing construction project failure and abandonment in delivery of construction projects such as mismanagement resources, technical incompetence, poor planning, contractual disputes, inconsistence government policies, inadequate design among other problem. The study has also ten measures used to mitigate these factors of failure and abandonment of construction project delivery such as improvement on; planning for projects, financial management in projects, legal frameworks etc.
The study recommends that government as a matter of urgency should implement policy that helps to stabilize the economy and also help in better planning on financial provisions, resource mobilization for construction projects by not only guaranteeing project funding but as well manage cost efficiently which will invariably enhance proper delivery of construction jobs while mitigating other factors responsible for failure and abandonment of projects thus fostering stakeholders participation /engagement among communities at large ensuring communication hallmarks through collaboration with all vested builders individually. There should be holistic feasibility studies before commencement process ordinance encompassing socio-economic evaluation exercise. Stakeholders have a role throughout ensures professionalism too is realized pushing accountability and thereby promoting integrity and transparency from inception till completion stage.
Keywords: Failure, abandonment, construction, construction project delivery, Nigeria.
- Introduction
A successful delivery of construction projects will help to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness and also enable various construction professionals to meet up construction project deadlines (Kelechi, Amadi, & Chinemerem, 2025). In Nigeria as a case study and worldwide, construction projects are usually affected by complexities and ambiguities, resulting to missed deadlines, poor quality of work, and budget overrun, which in turn result to project failure and abandonment. According to Ubani and Ononuju (2013) and Olalusi and Otunola (2012), noted that these failures and abandonments mostly in public sector projects pose significant issues for construction sector stakeholders in Nigeria. The construction industry is essential for the development of any nation, by enhancing better infrastructure and services to the inhabitants. However, lower performance and resulting disillusionment among various construction stakeholders have become a serious issue and concern. The main growth of any country depends heavily on the quality and capacity of its construction sector, but the inherent complexities and uncertainties often prevent projects from meeting their original objectives. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has struggled to provide its citizens with a high standard of living, economic growth, and justice, as noted by Ingwe et al. (2010). Across the globe, failed and abandoned construction projects are prevalent, including in countries like Malaysia, the United States, Spain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Abu Dhabi (Hoe, 2013), and Nigeria (Ewa, 2013).
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How to cite this paper: Kelechi, G. and Chinemerem, N. P. (2025). Analysis of Factors Contributing to the Failure and Abandonment of Construction Project Delivery in Nigeria; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue XII, December. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pmwj159-Dec2025-Kelechi-Chinemerem-abandonment-of-construction-projects-in-Nigeria.pdf
About the Authors
Godson Kelechi, M.Sc
Rivers State University
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Godson Kelechi is an assistant Lecturer at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and a probationer (member) of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS). He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in the Department of Quantity Surveying with Second Class Upper Division at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and Master of Science (M.Sc) in Project Management Technology from Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State and currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) in Construction Management at the Department of Building, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State. He hails from Egwi, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Godson Kelechi can be contacted at godsonkelechi44@gmail.com
Nwogu Prince Chinemerem, M.Sc
Rivers State University
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Nwogu Prince Chinemerem is a staff of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and a Professional Member of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS). He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Quantity Surveying from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and Master of Science (M.Sc) in Project Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State and currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) in Construction Management at the Department of Building, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State. Nwogu Prince Chinemerem can be contacted at prince.nwogu1@ust.edu.ng
