Positioning the Nigerian Construction Industry and Desiderata for Global Competitiveness in the 21st Century

Abstract

The research evaluates the drivers toward positioning Nigerian construction industry for global competitiveness in the 21st century. Being a survey research, questionnaires containing information relating to issues and drivers on global competitiveness were administered to selected construction practitioners in Anambra State, Nigeria. Accordingly, a total of 84 questionnaires were administered out of which 80 copies were completed, returned and found useful.  This corresponds to a response rate of 95%. Data collected were analyzed and presented using mean score, percentages, relative importance index (RII) and tables. The study found that the identified twelve (12) drivers of global competitiveness were all significant in the study area. However, the most perceived significant drivers for global competitiveness in the study area is labour market efficiency. Also, the study observed that the Nigerian construction industry operates at the level of factor-driven economy. Therefore, the study concluded by recommending that construction firms must   find appropriate strategies that would help to improve and strengthen their digital innovation, institutional, technological and infrastructural needs. This will place them in good standing for global competitiveness in the future.