Advancing Sustainable Construction in Nigeria: Insights from Structural Equation Modeling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26623/kolaboratif.v3i2.11874Keywords:
climate resilience, green building adoption, Nigeria’s built environment, structural equation modelling, sustainable constructionAbstract
The construction industry is a major driver of economic growth but remains one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and carbon emissions. This study examines the key determinants influencing the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, focusing on environmental, economic, social, policy, and technological factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 construction professionals, and data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to establish causal relationships among the identified variables. The findings reveal that policy regulation (β = 0.37, p < 0.001), environmental factors (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), and climate change awareness (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) are the strongest predictors of sustainability adoption. The study also establishes that stakeholder collaboration mediates the relationship between policy regulation and sustainability adoption, while market demand for green buildings moderates the influence of economic feasibility. Despite increasing awareness of the benefits of sustainability, barriers such as high initial costs, weak regulatory enforcement, limited access to green financing, and slow technological adoption continue to hinder widespread implementation. The study underscores the need for robust policy enforcement, financial incentives, capacity-building programs, and the integration of smart construction technologies to drive sustainability adoption in Nigeria’s built environment. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers, offering a strategic framework to accelerate the transition toward climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and economically viable construction practices.
References
Abdulkadir, A. B., Ibrahim, S., & Dauda, D. H. (2024). A conceptual framework for sustainable materials waste management for building construction projects in Nigeria. School of Environmental Technology Conference Proceedings, 5(2), 233-245.
Abubakar, A., Ishak, N. S., & Baba, H. M. (2024). Effects of utilization of building information modeling on facilities management performance in Abuja. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 9(2), 112-130.
Adegun, O. B., & Ikudayisi, A. E. (2025). Pathways for green building acceleration in fast-growing countries: A case study on Nigeria. Built Environment Project and Asset Management. Retrieved from Emerald
Adekeye, A. O., & Adeyemi, T. A. (2024). Advancing the adoption of green building technologies: A review of challenges and policy responses in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Development, 12(4), 98-117.
Ajayi, T. O., Akhanolu, A., & Ayodele, T. S. (2024). Evaluating Sustainable Building Practices for Carbon Reduction in Nigerian Housing. International Journal of Green Energy Management, 10(7), 111-129.
Akande, O. K., Oshineye, A. A., & Akeremale, I. D. (2024). Towards sustainable redesign of academic library buildings in Nigeria: Case for remodeling higher institution library buildings. Journal of Emerging Trends in Architectural Research, 11(3), 56-74.
Akhere, S. L. (2023). Sustainable Policy Interventions for Green Construction. Journal of Environmental Policy & Governance, 15(2), 211-234.
Baba, H. M., Ishak, N. S., & Adegbenga, A. (2024). Integration of digital twin technologies in sustainable construction: A Nigerian perspective. Journal of Construction Management and Innovation, 7(1), 89-104.
Balarabe, A. L. (2024). Market orientation and firm performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Zamfara State. Global Scientific Research Journal, 7(8), 214-230.
Berebon, C. (2025). The nexus between security, human development, and economic stability: Addressing insecurity as a threat to national growth in Nigeria. Advances in Law, Pedagogy, and Multidisciplinary Research, 12(1), 66-82.
Chris-Sanctus, O. E., Ogbanje, S., & Ejiofor, C. C. (2024). Stakeholder collaboration in advancing sustainability in the Nigerian construction sector. International Journal of Environmental Policy and Management, 9(3), 144-168.
Costenbader, E., Memmott, C., Litvin, K., & Green, M. (2025). Gendered social norms, exceptions, and sanctions: Implications for sustainable construction practices in Nigeria. Current Developments in Sustainability Research, 9(2), 111-127.
Dauda, D. H. (2024). A study of pathways and obstacles to sustainable supply chain in the oil and gas industry. University of Central Lancashire Repository, 1-16.
Ebiloma, D. O., & Ukpong, E. (2025). Stakeholders' engagement for advancing a sustainable Nigerian construction industry: A sustainable development goal-driven approach. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. Retrieved from ResearchGate
Ehimioboh, C. O., Obi, N. U., Olorunfemi, P., & Ejiofor, F. (2024). Awareness of the Concept of Sustainable Development Principles among Building Construction Professionals in Asaba, Nigeria. Retrieved from Koozakar
Ibanga, S. E. (2024). Environmental Policy and Green Infrastructure in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 22(3), 144-168.
Ibrahim, K., Okanlawon, T. T., & Oyewobi, L. O. (2024). Construction 4.0: Enhancing sustainable construction practices by evaluating digital twin barriers in the Nigerian AEC industry. Engineering, Construction, and Architectural Management, 8(2), 123-140.
Idem, U. J., Olarinde, E. S., & Obieze, I. D. D. (2024). Analysis of electronic commerce for the promotion of sustainable development in Nigeria: Addressing challenges and envisaging future prospects. IEEE Conference on Decision Sciences and Innovations, 12(4), 301-317.
Igwe, C. E. (2024). Assessment of government agencies’ compliance with sustainable construction policies in Nigeria. Journal of Public Policy and Environmental Studies, 16(2), 201-219.
Ilesanmi, O. O., Moyanga, D. T., & Oke, A. E. (2024). Unraveling the awareness dynamics of smart building features and technologies in the Nigerian construction sector. International Journal of Building Performance Analysis, 15(1), 221-245.
International Energy Agency. (2023). Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the global construction sector. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports
Ishak, N. S., Baba, H. M., & Adegbenga, A. (2024). The role of circular economy in optimizing construction waste management in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Development, 14(3), 220-245.
Kadiri, N. A., & Kolawole, J. M. (2024). Assessment of the prospects and challenges of quality management practices on building construction project delivery in North-Central Nigeria. Journal of Construction Economics and Sustainable Development, 11(4), 55-79.
Kadiri, N. A., & Kolawole, J. M. (2025). Assessment of the Prospects and Challenges of Quality Management Practices on Building Construction Project Delivery in North-Central Nigeria. Retrieved from ResearchGate
Madaki, M. Y., Barnabas, B., Shehu, A., & Ullah, A. (2025). Institutional services towards climate action: A case of climate change adaptation of agro-pastoralists in the drylands of Nigeria. Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis. Retrieved from TandF
Mba, O. N., & Ogwu, C. (2025). Barriers to green construction adoption in Nigeria: A case study of commercial buildings. Journal of Sustainable Building Design, 18(1), 144-168.
Muhammad, A. A., Bala, B., & Ardo, A. M. (2024). Ethical considerations in sustainable construction research: Addressing challenges in Nigeria. International Journal of Ethical Studies in Construction, 9(3), 123-140.
National Bureau of Statistics. (2024). The impact of construction activities on Nigeria’s GDP. Retrieved from https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng
Ogunrinade, D. O. A. (2025). The role of digital transformation in enhancing sustainable construction in Nigeria. Covenant Journal of Engineering, 13(1), 90-110.
Ogunyemi, J. O., & Salisu, B. A. (2024). Evaluating the role of public-private partnerships in advancing sustainable construction in Nigeria. Journal of Construction and Infrastructure Policy Studies, 14(2), 211-234.
Okeke, I., & Igwe, O. (2025). Investigating the impact of renewable energy integration in Nigerian residential buildings: Policy and practice. African Journal of Environmental Sustainability, 15(1), 155-178.
Okoye, P. A. C., Eze, V. C., & Abugu, H. O. (2025). Seasonality of environmental health risks and soil pollution from an unsanitary landfill in Nigeria: Implications for water security, agriculture, and climate change. Journal of Hazardous Materials, Elsevier. Retrieved from ScienceDirect
Oladipo, T. E., & Ayuba, P. (2024). Evolution of smart buildings in Nigeria: Sustainability challenges and policy interventions. School of Environmental Technology Conference Proceedings, 5(1), 441-460.
Olarinde, E. S., & Idem, U. J. (2024). The impact of digital transformation on green construction adoption in Nigeria. African Journal of Sustainable Development, 17(3), 87-102.
Osagiede, M. A., & Alordiah, C. O. (2024). Cultivating excellence: A holistic framework for optimizing student learning, curriculum, and assessment integration in agricultural science education in Nigeria. The Educator: A Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(4), 201-219.
Salami, S. F., Yusuf, J. A., & Isah, A. D. (2024). Significance of demographic variables on perceived attention restoration using biophilic strategies in luxury hotels in Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Sustainability, 11(3), 122-145.
Samuel, F. F., Julius, O. T., & Abiodun, O. A. (2024). Stakeholder Perceptions on Sustainable Construction in Nigeria. Journal of Construction Innovation, 18(4), 299-315.
Ukwu, F. E. (2024). The political exploitation of Nigeria’s ethnic diversity. Journal of Nation-Building and Policy Studies, 8(3), 75-99.
Unegbu, H. C. O., Yawas, D. S., & Dan-asabe, B. (2025). Optimizing circular economy practices in Nigerian construction: Effective strategies for waste reduction and resource efficiency. Journal of Emerging Sustainability. Retrieved from CBIORE
United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals Report. Retrieved from https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2023/
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Hyginus Chidiebere Onyekachi Unegbu, D. S. Yawas, A. A. Alabi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.



