Perception of the Nigerian Quantity Surveyors on the Panorama of Disputes in the Nigerian Construction Industry
S. M. Ojo1 and A.J. Babalola2
1Department of Quantity Surveying, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
2Department of Quantity Surveying, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Persistent disputes among contracting parties in the Nigerian construction industry is a cord in the wheel of effective construction projects delivery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the causes of disputes among the contacting parties in the Nigerian construction industry and to proffer solutions or strategies on how to minimize or resolve them. This study mirrors the perception of The Nigerian Quantity Surveyors (NQSs) as to causes of construction disputes. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted with the use of structured questionnaire for data collection. Eighty (80) questionnaires were distributed and Fifty five (55) professionally qualified Quantity Surveyors in consulting, contracting, educational and public service sectors filled the questionnaire. The study shows that client’s outright refusal to pay for or late payments of work done by contractor and variations order, sub-standard works on the part of contractors and design inadequacies on the part of the consultants are the dominants causes of construction disputes in the Nigerian construction industry. The study concluded that disputes in the Nigerian construction industry can be minimized or avoided if all the stakeholders are always ready to perform their duties as stipulated in the conditions of contract. The study recommends that clients should be financially buoyant before embarking on any construction project in other to pay contractors’ promptly as stipulated in the conditions of contract. Thorough review of the designs will minimize or eliminate variation. To avoid shoddy work, previously completed jobs as claimed by the prospective contractor should be visited to ascertain contractor’s technical capability. To ensure accurate design that meets the client’s need and devoid of inadequacies, design model and briefing section should be a predominant duty of design team to help clients have a better idea of the end product and iron out grey areas before construction phase.
Key words: Disputes; Nigerian Construction Industry; Perception; Panorama; Quantity Surveyors.
