A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES OF MEDIUM AND LARGE-SIZED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS IN LAGOS AND ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

In quest for a less cumbersome and cost efficient method of contractors’ selection for the award of projects. This research mainly examined the technical capabilities of medium and large sized construction contractors in the construction industry in Nigeria with the view in determining the gap in the technical capabilities of these major players. A review of related literature followed by a questionnaire administration on diverse built environment professionals. These professionals are those working with construction contractors that are classified as medium and large sized construction contractors in Lagos and Abuja by FOCI (Federation of Construction Industry). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Mean item scores were used to rank the level of technical capabilities of the contractors. Also, Gap analysis was employed to analyze the differences in the contractors’ technical capabilities; Wilcoxon sign tests and T-tests statistical methods were used to test if there are differences in sample means of different groups of respondents. The research revealed that all the medium and large contracting organizations in both Abuja and Lagos are doing well in terms of technical capabilities, since all were ranked above average (3.15-4.72 on a 5-point scale). The research also revealed that Finance, favorable government policies, accessibility of banks’ loans, availability of trained manpower, striving national economy and availability of modern technology are very important to the success of every project as they were all ranked above average (3.28-4.22 on 5-point scale). It was also observed that there is a gap in technical capabilities of medium and large construction contractors in Lagos and Abuja as plant and equipment has the highest difference of 1.12 mean gap. The research advocate that government should address the issue of finance with high interest rates on loans by given construction stakeholders access to developmental loans, scholarship to engineering students and granting subsidies for the importation of construction plants and equipment.