1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Housing is a fundamental human need and plays a critical role in fostering economic growth, social stability, and individual well-being. In Nigeria, the increasing rate of urbanization has placed immense pressure on the housing sector, particularly in major cities like Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS, 2021), Nigeria faces a housing deficit of over 17 million units, with Abuja alone accounting for a significant proportion due to its growing population and economic importance. Addressing this deficit requires innovative approaches to housing delivery, and the Industrialized Building System has emerged as a potential solution.
The Industrialized Building System (IBS) involves the off-site manufacturing of building components in a controlled environment, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly (Gibb & Isack, 2003). This method has been successfully implemented in various countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, to achieve faster construction timelines, reduced costs, and enhanced quality standards (Ofori, 2019). Despite its advantages, the adoption of IBS in Nigeria remains limited, hindered by factors such as high initial investment costs, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to change within the construction industry (Oluwasegun et al., 2018).
Abuja, as Nigeria's capital, is characterized by a dynamic housing market influenced by a diverse population and rapid infrastructural development. The traditional construction methods used in the region have struggled to keep pace with the increasing housing demand, resulting in inadequate housing supply and soaring property prices (Adebayo, 2020). However, the successful adoption of IBS in Abuja requires addressing several challenges, including capacity building, awareness creation, and policy formulation. Studies have highlighted the need for a collaborative approach involving government agencies, private developers, and stakeholders to overcome these barriers and unlock the potential of IBS in Nigeria (Nwakaego, 2019).
The housing sector in Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the country's socio-economic development, as it directly impacts the standard of living, health, and productivity of the population. Despite this importance, housing delivery in Nigeria has remained a persistent challenge, especially in urban centers like Abuja. The growing population and rapid urbanization in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have further exacerbated housing deficits, necessitating innovative solutions to meet demand (Adebayo, 2020). The adoption of the IBS presents a promising approach to addressing this challenge, offering a faster, cost-effective, and sustainable method for housing construction.
IBS refers to a construction method where building components are manufactured in a controlled factory environment and then transported to the construction site for assembly (Gibb & Isack, 2003). This system significantly reduces construction time, minimizes waste, and enhances overall project efficiency. Globally, IBS has gained prominence in developed countries for its ability to address housing shortages, yet its adoption in Nigeria has been slow. Factors such as technological barriers, resistance to change, and lack of skilled labor have hindered the widespread use of IBS in the country (Oluwasegun et al., 2018). In Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, the demand for housing continues to rise due to its political and economic significance. However, the reliance on traditional construction methods has proven inadequate in meeting the growing need for affordable and sustainable housing. Studies suggest that adopting IBS could transform housing delivery in Abuja, aligning with the Nigerian government's vision for sustainable urban development (Nwakaego, 2019).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to examine the technological adoption of IBS for housing delivery in Abuja, exploring its feasibility, benefits, and challenges.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that there is lack of awareness and understanding of IBS among key stakeholders, including developers, contractors, and policymakers. The limited exposure to the benefits and applications of IBS has resulted in a preference for conventional construction methods, even when they are less efficient (Oluwasegun et al., 2018). Moreover, the initial investment required for adopting IBS technologies, such as specialized machinery and training, is perceived as a significant barrier, especially in a market dominated by cost-sensitive players.
Additionally, cultural resistance to change within the construction industry is a significant barrier. Many contractors and artisans are accustomed to traditional methods and are hesitant to embrace new technologies that require reskilling and adaptation (Nwakaego, 2019). This reluctance undermines efforts to modernize the construction sector and hampers the widespread adoption of IBS.
Furthermore, Policy and regulatory frameworks also pose challenges. The absence of clear guidelines and incentives for adopting IBS has discouraged investment in this innovative approach. In contrast, countries like Malaysia and Singapore have implemented robust policies to support the integration of IBS into their construction sectors, demonstrating how government intervention is pivotal for its success (Gibb & Isack, 2003). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by evaluating the technological adoption of the industrialized building system for housing delivery in Abuja, Nigeria.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to explore the adoption of the Industrialized Building System (IBS) for housing delivery in Abuja, Nigeria. To achieve this aim, the research study has the following objectives:
- To examine the current level of awareness and knowledge about IBS among stakeholders in the housing sector in Abuja.
- To identify the factors influencing the adoption of industrialized building system in housing delivery within Abuja.
- To assess the potential benefits of industrialized building systems in addressing the housing deficit in Abuja.
- To evaluate the challenges and barriers hindering the adoption of IBS in Abuja's construction industry.
- To propose actionable strategies for promoting the adoption and implementation of IBS for housing delivery in Abuja.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to address the following research questions:
- What is the current level of awareness and knowledge about the Industrialized Building System (IBS) among stakeholders in the housing sector in Abuja?
- What are the factors influencing the adoption of Industrialized Building System in housing delivery within Abuja?
- How can Industrialized Building System contribute to addressing the housing deficit in Abuja?
- What are the challenges and barriers hindering the adoption of IBS in Abuja's construction industry?
- What strategies can be implemented to promote the adoption and effective implementation of IBS for housing delivery in Abuja?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: Challenges such as high initial costs and lack of skilled labor do not significantly hinder the adoption of Industrialized Building System in Abuja.
- H02: There is no significant relationship between the level of awareness of the Industrialized Building System (IBS) and its adoption in housing delivery in Abuja.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will contribute to the body of knowledge for policymakers, offering actionable recommendations that will guide the development of supportive frameworks and policies to enhance the adoption of IBS in Nigeria. For construction industry stakeholders, the study will serve as a practical resource to understand the technical and economic advantages of IBS, encouraging its wider implementation.
Furthermore, the study will help educational institutions identify areas where further research and training are needed, bridging knowledge gaps in IBS technology and its application. Residents and prospective homeowners will also benefit from understanding how IBS will impact the affordability, quality, and sustainability of housing.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of this study will focus on the adoption of the Industrialized Building System (IBS) in housing delivery within Abuja, Nigeria. It will explore how the technology is being utilized by construction companies operating in the region and examine the role of government policies, regulations, and initiatives that support or hinder the adoption of IBS in the housing sector. The study will include key stakeholders such as building contractors, developers, policymakers, and residents who will be affected by the implementation of IBS in the city.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The limitations of this study include several factors that may have influenced the depth and accuracy of the findings.
- One of the primary limitations was the unavailability of sufficient data on the adoption of the Industrialized Building System (IBS) across all housing projects in Abuja, Nigeria. Access to comprehensive records and case studies was limited, which restricted the ability to provide a broad overview of the adoption rates and detailed analysis of IBS implementation in various housing projects.
- Additionally, the time constraints imposed by the study's deadline restricted the ability to conduct a more extensive fieldwork survey or to follow up with more participants for more comprehensive insights.
- Lastly, financial constraints limited the resources available for the study, affecting the scope of the research and the ability to access distant sites, gather more extensive data, and consult a broader range of experts in the IBS field.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Technological Adoption:
Technological adoption refers to the process through which individuals, organizations, or communities accept and begin using new technologies. It encompasses the decision-making process, evaluation, and acceptance of innovations or technological advancements within specific settings. In the context of this study, technological adoption will focus on the acceptance and implementation of the Industrialized Building System (IBS) in housing delivery (Rogers, 2003).
Industrialized Building System (IBS):
The Industrialized Building System refers to a construction approach that involves prefabricating components of buildings off-site and then assembling them on-site. This system aims to streamline construction processes, reduce costs, and improve quality and efficiency in housing delivery. IBS is increasingly seen as a solution to address housing shortages in developing countries like Nigeria (Abiodun & Akinmoladun, 2021).
Housing Delivery:
Housing delivery is the process of providing residential buildings or shelters for a population, either by the government, private developers, or other agencies. It includes the planning, design, construction, and provision of affordable housing to meet the growing needs of the population. Effective housing delivery is essential to ensuring that adequate, sustainable, and affordable housing is available for all sectors of society (Eze & Uzochukwu, 2020).
Abuja, Nigeria:
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the country. It has become a hub for governmental, social, and economic activities. As the capital, it faces challenges in terms of housing demands due to rapid urbanization and population growth (Adebayo, 2019).
Technological Innovation in Housing:
Technological innovation in housing refers to the introduction and application of new construction methods, materials, and technologies that improve the efficiency, affordability, and sustainability of housing construction. Innovations such as IBS are examples of how technology can influence housing delivery systems, offering benefits such as faster construction times and reduced costs (Nwachukwu et al., 2018).
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