Factors Inhibiting Digital Transformation of Indigenous Construction Firms in Nigeria

Okpo, Asuquo Henry; Ikediashi, Dubem; Ansa, Otoabasi Asuquo

Abstract

Despite the inherent benefits that digitalisation brings to businesses across sectors, indigenous construction firms in developing countries like Nigeria seem unprepared and reluctant to embrace the digital trend. Qualitative research technique was adopted through a case study approach and utilised interviews as the primary source of generating data among eight case companies in Abuja, Nigeria. Data generated were analysed using conversational analysis as a specific data analysis approach in thematic analysis. Findings revealed critical factors inhibiting digital transformation to be lack of funds, shortage of trained professionals, lack of technical know-how, and low level of awareness are the top four factors identified. The paper therefore concludes that overcoming these identified factors is a key to the survival of indigenous construction firms in a globally competitive market and the factors inhibiting the digital transformation of the construction industry in Nigeria are not just limited to one construction firm but could differ from other construction firms. The paper recommends effective partnership among key stakeholders of construction firms to work out an appropriate roadmap that would position the construction industry on the right track toward digital transformation.

Citation

Okpo, A. H., Ikediashi, D., & Ansa, O. A. (2022). Factors Inhibiting Digital Transformation of Indigenous Construction Firms in Nigeria. Covenant Journal of Research in the Built Environment, 10(2), 1-12

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 10, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jan 25, 2023
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Deposit Date: Jul 1, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 3, 2023
• Print ISSN: 2384-5724
• Electronic ISSN: 2384-5716
• Publisher: Covenant University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 1-12
• Keywords: Digital transformation, Construction industry, Indigenous, Construction firms, Qualitative research, Nigeria
• Publisher URL: https://journals.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/index.php/cjrbe/article/view/3198