CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The construction industry is a cornerstone of national economic development, providing

essential infrastructure, stimulating employment opportunities, and shaping urban landscapes
(Adekunle, Ejohwomu & Aigbavboa, 2021; Albert, Shakantu & Saidu, 2021). The global
construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the integration of
digital technologies aimed at enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability. Among
these innovations, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a pivotal tool,
revolutionizing traditional construction methodologies. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is
a cutting-edge technological innovation that is transforming the construction industry worldwide.
It allows for the digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility,
enabling real-time collaboration and improved decision-making throughout the project lifecycle
(Asodike, Ezenwata, & Elamah, 2024). BIM is designed to address several challenges in the
construction process, such as cost overruns, poor communication, and design inefficiencies. BIM
is defined as a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility,
serving as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility, thereby forming a
reliable basis for decisions during its lifecycle from inception onward (Eastman et al., 2018).
The digital revolution that Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers has the potential to
completely revolutionize the construction industry by increasing collaboration, cutting costs, and
optimizing project efficiency (Okereke, Muhammed, and Eze 2021). Within the construction
industry dynamic, where innovation is critical to sustainable growth or development, Building
Information Modelling (BIM) is a disruptive force that is redefining conventional practices in
construction (Okereke, Ihekweme, and Awodele 2021). The use of BIM at the project,
organizational, and industry levels has been associated with several advantages. Studies that have
already been conducted have proven benefits like improved design processes, cooperation, time
and cost savings, and increased production. These advantages, along with several others, have
motivated governments and other institutions to launch BIM campaigns in the building sector
(Awodele et’al 2020).

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 In developed countries, BIM has been widely adopted, leading to improved project
outcomes, cost savings, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. For instance, countries
like the United Kingdom and the United States have mandated the use of BIM for public sector
projects, recognizing its potential to streamline construction processes and reduce inefficiencies
(Azhar, Khalfan, & Maqsood, 2012). The adoption of BIM facilitates better visualization,
coordination, and simulation of construction activities, thereby minimizing errors and rework
(Arayici, Egbu, & Coates, 2012). The United Kingdom (UK) mandated the use of BIM towards
the bid of reducing the industry cost by 20% with 2016 deadline and the level of implementation
has since increased from 13% in 2011 to 74% in 2018 (NBS, 2018). General Services
Administration (GSA) started the BIM implementation on projects in the United States in 2003
and this influenced industry-wide awareness and adoption. McGraw Hill (2014) reported an
increase from 28% (2007) adoption level to 71% (2012) in North America. The Building and
Construction Authority (BCA) led the BIM adoption in Singapore and BIM has since become a
mandatory part in the procurement of public sector projects from 2012 (Edirisinghe & London,
2015). The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) has been piloting the use of BIM since 2006
and the adoption has increased in the industry. Similarly, Senate Properties started piloting of
BIM project in the public sector of Finland while Skanska Oy started the implementation in the
private sector (Wong, Wong & Nadeem, 2020). BIM was mandated on public projects over S$50
million in South Korea. Countries as such Norway, Denmark, Malaysia, Australia, Canada
among others have also recorded an increase in the level of BIM adoption.

Conversely, in many developing countries, including Nigeria, the adoption of BIM

remains limited. The Nigerian construction industry, despite being one of the largest in Africa,
continues to grapple with challenges such as project delays, cost overruns, and poor quality of
work. These issues are often attributed to inadequate planning, lack of coordination among
stakeholders, and reliance on traditional construction methods (Olatunji, Olawumi, & Aje, 2017).
The integration of BIM into the Nigerian construction sector could potentially address these
challenges by enhancing collaboration, improving accuracy in design and documentation, and
facilitating better project management. Recent studies have highlighted the growing awareness of
BIM among Nigerian construction professionals. However, actual implementation remains low
due to various barriers, including high costs of software and training, lack of skilled personnel,

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and resistance to change (Babatunde, Udeaja, & Adekunle, 2020). Furthermore, the absence of
regulatory frameworks and government policies mandating the use of BIM has contributed to its
slow adoption in the country (Oti & Fadiya, 2020).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has gained global recognition for its ability to improve
efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making across the construction lifecycle. However, in
Nigeria particularly in Abuja, the nation's Federal Capital Territory the adoption of BIM remains
limited. Despite the presence of numerous high-profile public and private construction projects
in the city, the integration of BIM into construction processes is still at a nascent stage.

A recent study by Asodike, Ezenwata, and Elamah (2024) indicates that while awareness of BIM
among construction professionals in Abuja is relatively high, actual readiness and usage levels
are significantly low. This disconnect suggests underlying challenges that hinder practical
implementation. Key barriers include high costs associated with BIM software and training
(Luomala, 2020), limited institutional and regulatory support (Oti & Fadiya, 2020), and
resistance to shifting from traditional to digital construction practices.

These challenges underscore the need for a comprehensive assessment of BIM adoption in
Abuja’s construction sector. Such an assessment should explore current awareness and usage
levels, investigate how BIM is applied during various phases of the construction lifecycle,
identify barriers to adoption, and understand potential risks. These insights are essential to
formulate strategies aimed at increasing BIM uptake in the city.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

This study aims to examine the current state of BIM adoption in construction organizations in
Abuja with a view to improving the rate and effectiveness of its implementation. The specific
objectives are:
I. To assess the level of awareness and extent of BIM usage among construction organizations in
Abuja.
II. To examine how BIM is utilized across different stages of the construction lifecycle.
III. To identify and analyze the factors influencing BIM adoption within the construction

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industry.
IV. To evaluate the potential risks associated with the adoption of BIM technology.

1.4 Research Questions

I. What is the level of awareness and extent of BIM usage among construction organizations in
Abuja?
II. How is BIM applied across various phases of the construction lifecycle?
III. What are the key factors that influence the adoption or rejection of BIM in Abuja’s
construction industry?
IV. What potential risks are associated with the adoption of BIM technology?

1.5 Justification for the study

This study holds significant value for various stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry.
For policymakers and regulatory bodies, the findings will provide insights into the current state
of BIM adoption and the barriers hindering its implementation, thereby informing the
development of policies and frameworks to promote BIM integration. Construction organizations
and professionals will benefit from understanding the factors influencing BIM adoption, enabling
them to make informed decisions regarding its adoption and implementation. Additionally,
academic institutions can utilize the findings to tailor their curricula to equip future professionals
with the necessary skills for BIM utilization.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study will focus on construction organizations operating within Abuja, primarily the
Federal Capital Development Authority Nigeria (FCDA). It will encompass various
professionals in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors,
and project managers. The research will assess the current level of BIM adoption, identify
influencing factors, evaluate perceived benefits and challenges, and propose recommendations
for enhanced adoption. This study will be carried out using the quantitative research approach.
The target population in this study will be composed of Architects, Builders, Civil Engineers and
Quantity Surveyors working in FCDA, Abuja. This is because these professionals are the

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primary participants who have substantial involvement and responsibilities in the execution of
construction projects. There is a total of 286 professionals in FCDA and 127 of them are
registered under their respective professional bodies (Federal Development Authority, Abuja.
https://fcda.gov.ng). The population size is therefore 127. The researcher considered this
population size to be manageable therefore the sample size remained 127. Data will be obtained
with the use of structured questionnaire of the close ended response format. The questionnaire
will be designed on a five-point Likert Scale format. The questionnaire will be made up of six
sections. The first section addressed issues concerning the general profile of respondents. The
other sections addressed issues concerning the research objectives respectively. The
questionnaires will be administered to 127 construction professionals in Federal Capital
Development Authority (FCDA) in Abuja. The Data collected for this study will be analyzed
with the use of descriptive statistical techniques. The use of frequency counts and percentage
was employed to analyze the profile of respondents. Mean Item Score (MIS) will be employed in
order to analyze the data collected on the research objectives. The use of SPSS will be employed
to aid the analysis of data in this study.

1.7 Definition of Terms

 Building Information Modelling (BIM): A digital representation of physical and

functional characteristics of a facility, serving as a shared knowledge resource for
information about a facility, forming a reliable basis for decisions during its lifecycle
from inception onward (Eastman et al., 2018).
 Adoption: The action or fact of choosing to take up or follow a particular course of
action, in this context, the implementation of BIM in construction practices.
 Construction Organization: A company or firm engaged in the planning, design, and
execution of construction projects.
 Abuja: The capital city of Nigeria, serving as the location focus for this study.

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