Constraining Sustainability: A Critical Examination of Construction Policy and Practice in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the policy-related challenges faced by stakeholders in promoting sustainable construction practices within Nigeria's construction sector. The research objective was pursued through a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with eleven built environment professionals based in Lagos and Abuja. Using NVivo 14, a thematic analysis was conducted, yielding seven key themes. Among these, the most significant were the weak enforcement of the Nigerian building code, limited public and professional awareness of sustainable construction, and insufficient municipal capacity to support implementation at the local government level. The findings underscore the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, clearer enforcement mechanisms, and a coordinated awareness strategy to support policy adoption and compliance. The study also highlights the need for active political will, alongside stakeholder collaboration, to ensure policy continuity and mitigate the effects of changing government administrations. Government agencies, policymakers, and industry professionals must therefore collaborate more strategically to drive innovation and strengthen policy adaptation mechanisms. Overall, this study advances knowledge of sustainable construction policy in developing economies by presenting practitioner-based evidence on Nigeria's specific challenges in policy implementation and political will, from the perspective of senior construction industry professionals.

Keywords: Building code, Nigeria, policy implementation, professionals, stakeholders, and sustainable construction