Significant Ways to Improve the Performance of Medium and Large Local Contractors in the Jigawa State, Nigeria

¹ Department of Construction Management, Faculty of Technology Management and Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
² Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

^* Corresponding author: padzliha@uthm.edu.my

Abstract

Contractors’ performance is an important criterion for the success of any construction project, as it is the contractor that converts designs into practical reality. While evidence suggests that there is much need for further improvement particularly in cost, time and quality, in Nigeria contractors’ performance is the subject that requires much research. This paper is to identify the significant ways to improve the performance of medium and large local contractors in the Jigawa state, Nigeria. Literature about contractors and their performance was reviewed to identify the ways believed to improve their performance in executing construction projects. Questionnaires distributed to 45 clients, 45 consultants, and 45 medium and large local contractors. The findings show that the respondents agree that the most significant ways to improve medium and large local contractor’s performance are transparent bidding process mechanism, proper selection of construction procurement system, quality control and standard assurance, local contractor patronage by the government and adopting information and communication technology (ICT) in design and construction. This paper offers better performance and expands the pool of knowledge to the Nigerian contractor regarding essential element that is needed to be observed in order to improve their performance.