Analysis of Professionals’ Competence in the Building Construction Sector in Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Construction Industry

Abstract

This study examined skills gap of building construction professionals that are employed by the multinational building construction firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was with a view to providing information that could enhance the quality of workmanship in the sector. Relevant data were obtained through the administration of one hundred and fifty-five copies of questionnaire on various categories of professionals/expatriates, out of which one hundred and fifty-one copies were properly completed and returned, representing 97.4% return rate. The results of Borich Needs Analysis conducted revealed that the respondents were found to have been deficient in twelve thematic areas out of thirteen areas in which they were examined. These include ability to visualize into the future and plan as appropriate in view of environmental challenges and stiff competition (WMDS = 0.302); ability to adapt with changing conditions in the sector (WMDS = 0.311); ability to direct and control the efforts of the workforce for the betterment of the organization (WMDS = 0.075); ability to appropriately organize both human and material resources in order to minimize waste and to maximize profit (WMDS = 0.050) among other capabilities. However, the respondents were found to have been adequately knowledgeable in the area of products and services presentation skills (WMDS = -0.003). The study concludes by recommending that the federal government should develop a regulatory framework making it possible for an unhindered relationship between the institutions of higher learning offering courses in building-related programmes and the activities in the building construction sector, in order to ensure that home-grown technologies thrive in the industry, and to ensure smooth transition of imported technologies in the sector to permeate seamlessly.