A Study on Impact of Contractors’ Selection Criteria on Sustainable Infrastructure Project Delivery in Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainable development has become a global phenomenon and infrastructure project delivery is not left out in this aspect of global calling. Achieving sustainable infrastructure project is multifaceted and contractors’ selection process is an important segment. Sustainable Infrastructures can be achieved through effective contractors’ selection processes. This study therefore, reflected on the impact of contractors’ selection criteria for sustainable infrastructure project delivery in Nigeria. The study objectives are to determine the relationship as well as evaluate the impact of contractors’ selection criteria on sustainable infrastructure project delivery. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the targeted respondents. The five (5) leading criteria for contractors’ selection were identified and considered in this study. A total number of twenty five (25) sub-criteria were also identified. These criteria were subjected to respondent’s opinion through the construction of a pilot survey. The sub-criteria were subjected to the acceptance or rejection of the respondents as to whether they have positive impact on the sustainable infrastructure project delivery in Nigeria.  Percentile was adopted in analyzing the data relating to demographic information. Correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between the contractors’ selection criteria and sustainable infrastructure project delivery while relative important index was used to analyze the data in respect of the impact criteria leading to sustainable infrastructure project by ranking. The criteria considered in this study are contractors’ financial capability, technical ability, management capability, and functional health/safety policy template and contractor reputation. These were found to have various level of impact on sustainable infrastructure project delivery. The outcome of the evaluation using relative important index revealed that the criteria have very high positive impact with the average mean value for each criteria above the threshold of 3 as established from Likert of 5-scale. It is therefore concluded that, the consultants should concentrate on the criteria that have greater and direct relationship and impact with sustainable infrastructure project delivery to be complimented by other criteria in the contractor selection process. Part of the recommendation in this study is that contractors’ financial soundness should be evaluated using appropriate measure such as Zeta model analyses as well as technical competence of the contractors’ in relation to experiences, availability of plant and equipment and  adequacy of personnel in the contractors’ selection process.