Evaluation Of The Impact Of Modular Construction On Housing Delivery In South- East Nigeria

Abstract

Housing delivery in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East region, continues to face persistent
challenges such as poor quality, project delays, material waste and unsustainable construction
practices resulting from over reliance on the conventional building methods. Modular construction
has emerged globally as an innovative technique that can reduce project duration and cost while
enhancing quality, minimizing waste and promoting sustainability. This study evaluated the impact
of modular construction on housing delivery in South-East Nigeria. A descriptive survey research
design was adopted. The study population comprised 789 building professionals and fabricators in
South-East Nigeria. A sample of 265 participants was determined using the Taro Yamane formula,
and participants were selected through simple random sampling using a table of random numbers.
Data were collected using structured questionnaire designed to address the study objectives and
answer the research questions. The findings revealed that the highest ranked impacts of modular
construction were the provision of high-quality buildings (mean = 4.94; 1st), increase in
productivity (time and cost) (mean = 4.93; tied 2nd), improved safety (mean= 4.93; tied 2nd) and
reduced material waste on construction sites in the study area (mean= 4.92; 3rd). However, the
adoption of modular construction remains limited in the study area. The study concludes that wider
adoption of modular construction has the potential to significantly improve housing delivery in the
region. It therefore recommends that the Nigerian government, corporate organizations, and
financial institutions to support the construction industry by establishing fabrication plants,
providing subsidized loans to construction professionals, and improving road infrastructure to
reduce logistical challenges and promote the adoption of modular construction for sustainable
housing delivery.