A Study of the Impact on
Construction Projects in
Rivers State, Nigeria
FEATURED PAPER
By Godson Kelechi
Rivers State University
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
The cost of building materials in Nigeria has risen sharply in recent years, creating challenges for construction project delivery and overall financial feasibility. In Rivers State, transportation plays a significant yet insufficiently studied role in driving material cost increases. This study examined the impact of transportation on the cost of building materials in Rivers State, Nigeria and is guided with key four objectives: examining the major transportation factors influencing material costs, assessing the extent to which road infrastructure conditions affect delivery costs, evaluating the influence of fuel prices, security challenges, and informal charges on haulage expenses, and proposing strategies to minimize transportation-related cost burdens. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Data were gathered from builders, contractors, quantity surveyors, project managers, site engineers, suppliers, distributors, transport operators, and logistics providers across Rivers State.
Both primary and secondary data sources were employed, with the questionnaire serving as the main primary data collection tool. Of the eighty-eight (88) questionnaires administered, seventy-two (72) were properly completed and used for analysis. Descriptive statistics-specifically means and standard deviations-were generated to analyze the data. The findings show that transportation factors have a substantial impact on material costs n Rivers State, Nigeria, with issues such as fuel supply disruptions, seasonal variations and flooding, and the availability and cost of skilled labour playing significant roles. The study recommends that the Rivers State government, in partnership with federal agencies, prioritize the repair and improvement of major networks that link to key construction material supply centers. It also suggests that industry stakeholders consider adopting alternative transportation modes such as rail and inland waterways for moving bulk materials.
Keywords: Transportation, Building materials, Construction costs, road Infrastructure, Rivers State
- 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-and particularly in Rivers State, one of the nation’s most industrialized and rapidly urbanizing regions-the demand for construction services has risen sharply, driven by population growth, urban expansion, and increased public and private investment in infrastructure (Eshofonie, 2021). However, the movement of building materials within the state is significantly affected by various infrastructural, environmental, and administrative challenges. Although urban centers such as Port Harcourt have relatively extensive road networks, many of these roads are poorly maintained, riddled with potholes, or become impassable during periods of seasonal flooding (Nwankwo & Amadi, 2020).in rural and riverine areas, limited road access forces heavy reliance on water transport, which tends to be costly and constrained by operational difficulties. These conditions contribute to delays, higher fuel usage, and faster deterioration of transport vehicles, ultimately increasing the cost of building materials (Adenuga et al., 2018).
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How to cite this work: Kelechi, G. (2026). Impact of Transportation on Costs of Building Materials: A Study of the Impact on Construction Projects in Rivers State, Nigeria, PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue II, February. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pmwj161-Feb-2026-Kelechi-Impact-of-Transportation-on-Cost-of-Building-Materials.pdf
About the Author
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
