Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Barriers to Sustainable Construction Practices in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

As global attention shifts towards sustainable development, sustainable construction has become increasingly important; however, its implementation in Africa, particularly Nigeria, remains constrained. Therefore, the study ascertained stakeholders’ perceptions of barriers to the implementation of sustainable construction practices (SCP) in South-South Nigeria, with a view to identifying key barriers and proposing measures. The study was anchored on Institutional Theory, which explains how regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive conditions influence implementation outcomes. A mixed
methods exploratory design was adopted using questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD). Ten professionals comprising Architects, Builders, Civil/Structural Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Town Planners participated in the FGD. In addition, the study population comprised 1,254 built environment professionals, from which a sample size of 304 was determined. A 15% (46) over-sampling buffer was applied to account for potential non-response, and a total of 350 questionnaires were administered. Of the questionnaires administered, 289 were retrieved (82.57%), while 272 valid responses were retained for analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using percentages, mean scores and standard deviation, while qualitative data were thematically analysed and integrated with the quantitative findings. Findings revealed that inadequate government incentives constituted the most significant barrier, followed by financial constraints, weak enforcement, insufficient training and low market demand. Unstable policies, limited stakeholder collaboration and resistance to change further reflected institutional weaknesses. The study concluded that SCP implementation is constrained by interconnected financial, regulatory and institutional barriers. Therefore, it recommended strengthened 
institutional capacity, improved inter-agency collaboration, public awareness and financial incentives, including tax reliefs, grants and subsidies, to facilitate wider adoption.