Assessing Barriers to Implementing Information Technology for Quality Control in Nigerian Construction Organisations

The construction industry faces ongoing criticism for low productivity and quality, partly due to the limitations of traditional manual inspection methods. Integrating information technology (IT) offers a solution by enhancing project design, planning, and execution to improve overall efficiency and safety. Despite the evident benefits of IT in the literature, the Nigerian construction industry has yet to fully embrace its potential due to several obstacles, including a lack of technical expertise, cybersecurity concerns, poor internet connectivity, resistance to change, and high digital equipment costs. These challenges contribute to high project failure rates, low productivity, and inefficiency. However, the extent to which these barriers affect IT implementation for quality control in Nigerian construction organisations remains underexplored. This study identifies the barriers hindering the implementation of IT in Nigerian construction organisations. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey from construction firms within Abuja (FCT) and Kaduna State, Nigeria. Out of 120 questionnaires administered, 65 were retrieved, which represents a response rate of 54%. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to examine the impact of identifiedbarriers on IT implementation. The results indicate that all barriers identified from the literature significantly influence IT adoption in the Nigerian construction industry. Notably, the three most influential barriers are Limited Technical Expertise (mean score = 3.85), Lack of Reliable Internet Connectivity in some areas (mean score = 3.72), and Resistance to Change from Traditional/Manual Processes to IT-based Systems (mean score = 3.58). Based on these findings, the study identifies key barriers to IT implementation in the Nigerian construction organisations, including limited technical expertise, poor internet connectivity, and resistance to change. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving productivity and efficiency. Structured IT training programs and awareness campaigns are recommended for industry professionals and government stakeholders. These efforts will support a smoother transition to digital integration. Embracing IT solutions will ultimately enhance project outcomes and industry growth.