Adoption of Industrialized Building System for Effective Housing Delivery in Ajaokuta Metropolis, Kogi State

Abstract

The persistent housing deficit in Nigeria has necessitated the exploration of innovative construction approaches capable of improving housing delivery in terms of cost, time, and quality. One such approach is the Industrialized Building System (IBS), which emphasizes off-site fabrication and on-site assembly of building components. Despite its proven benefits globally, the level of IBS adoption in many Nigerian urban centres remains unclear. This study assessed the adoption of the IBS as a strategy for enhancing effective housing delivery in Ajaokuta Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected via structured questionnaires from 152 construction professionals, including architects, builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors. 76% response rate was achieved. Mean score ranking, factor analysis, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. The findings revealed a low level of IBS adoption (mean score = 2.18), primarily hindered by infrastructural and market development barriers, such as the lack of local manufacturing plants, underdeveloped road networks, and high logistics costs. The study established a statistically significant inverse relationship between these adoption challenges and housing delivery effectiveness, with infrastructure deficits being the most critical predictor (β = -0.281, p<0.001). While housing delivery was moderately effective in terms of affordability and quality, it was constrained by the same systemic gaps that impede IBS uptake. The study concludes that overcoming IBS adoption barriers requires a holistic, policy-driven approach focused on developing local industrial capacity, improving critical infrastructure, and enhancing professional skills. Recommendations include establishing local IBS manufacturing clusters, integrating affordability mechanisms into housing projects, and implementing targeted regulatory reforms to foster an enabling environment for modern construction methods.