The impact of contractors' prequalification on construction project delivery in Nigeria

Purpose Prequalification of contractors is a very important step in construction project procurement under the contract “Due Process” policy in Nigeria. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to investigate the impact of contractors' prequalification on cost, time and quality performance of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire addressed to construction practitioners selected from clients, consultants and contractors' organizations. Also archival data on 77 completed building projects relating to prequalification assessment of contractors and project delivery variables were sourced from consultant quantity surveyors. The data were analysed with the aid of mean score and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings The results show that contractors' prequalification has significant impact on time and quality performance of construction projects as evidenced by p ‐values of 0.039 and 0.030, respectively. Practical implications The findings should provide a valuable reference for clients and consultants during contractors' prequalification and contract award. Originality/value The outcome of this paper will assist clients and consultants in the construction industry to carry out objective assessment of contractors' potential performance in relation to project goals prior to contract award.