CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The construction industry is a pivotal component of economic development,
contributing significantly to infrastructure growth and employment (Federal
Ministry of Works and Housing, Nigeria, 2020).. In Nigeria, large-scale
construction projects are instrumental in driving urbanization and economic
progress. Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, has experienced substantial
infrastructural development in recent years, with numerous large-scale construction
projects underway to enhance its urban landscape (Obinna, 2019).
Despite the potential benefits, managing large-scale construction projects in
Owerri presents numerous challenges that can impede successful project delivery.
These challenges include financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, skilled labor
shortages, and material procurement issues. Understanding these challenges is
crucial for developing effective management strategies to ensure the successful
completion of construction projects in the region (Nwogu, 2020).
Recent studies have highlighted several issues affecting construction project
implementation in Nigeria. For instance, bureaucracy, corruption, inaccurate cost
estimates, poor project management, and inefficient resource allocation have been
identified as significant factors leading to project failures. Additionally, the
identification of risks and their criticality in Nigerian construction projects
underscores the need for robust risk management practices to mitigate potential
setbacks (Construction Industry Institute, 2023).
In Owerri, specific challenges such as cost overruns in public building construction
projects have been documented, emphasizing the need for effective cost
management strategies (Imo State Government, 2021). Furthermore, the
assessment of barriers to lean construction application indicates that technological
limitations, leadership and management issues, cultural complexities, and financial
constraints hinder the adoption of efficient construction practices.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors
influencing construction project management in Owerri. This study aims to explore
the multifaceted challenges faced in managing large-scale construction projects in
Owerri, providing insights that can inform policy decisions and improve project
management practices in the region (Dike et al., 2023)
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Large-scale construction projects play a vital role in the socio-economic
development of Owerri, contributing to improved infrastructure, job creation, and
urbanization. However, the successful delivery of these projects has become
increasingly challenging due to a range of factors. Persistent delays, cost overruns,
and substandard project outcomes are common, undermining the potential benefits
of construction initiatives in the region (Ugochukwu et al., 2016).
One critical issue is inadequate financial resources, often exacerbated by
inconsistent funding, inflation, and poor financial planning. Regulatory challenges,
including lengthy approval processes and land disputes, further complicate project
execution. The lack of skilled labor and technical expertise has led to inefficiencies
in project management, while limited adoption of modern construction
technologies hampers productivity and innovation (World Bank, 2019).
Additionally, the procurement and transportation of materials are frequently
disrupted by supply chain inefficiencies and rising costs, leading to project delays.
Environmental and social concerns, such as community opposition, resettlement
challenges, and compliance with environmental regulations, create further
obstacles. Safety risks and frequent on-site accidents highlight the lack of robust
risk management strategies (Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, 2019).
Despite the growth of the construction sector in Owerri, these challenges persist,
raising questions about the effectiveness of existing project management practices.
Addressing these problems is crucial to ensuring that construction projects in
Owerri are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
This study seeks to investigate the underlying causes of these challenges and
propose actionable strategies for improving the management of large-scale
construction projects in Owerri.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objective of this study is to investigate the challenges associated with
managing large-scale construction projects in Owerri, with a view to identifying
key factors that hinder project success and proposing strategies to improve project
delivery in the region. The specific objectives of this study are as follows:
i. To examine the financial constraints affecting the execution of large-scale
construction projects in Owerri
ii. To identify regulatory and legal challenges in project management,
including approval processes and land disputes
iii. To assess the role of skilled labor shortages in causing inefficiencies in
project execution
iv. To evaluate the impact of supply chain disruptions and material procurement
issues on project timelines
v. To explore the technological and environmental challenges faced by
construction projects in Owerri
vi. To propose strategies for overcoming the identified challenges and
improving project management practices
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the aim and objectives of the study, the following research questions
have been formulated:
 i. What are the financial constraints that affect the execution of large-scale
construction projects in Owerri?
ii. What regulatory and legal challenges, such as approval processes and land
disputes, hinder the management of construction projects in Owerri?
iii. How do skilled labor shortages contribute to inefficiencies in the execution
of large-scale construction projects in Owerri?
iv. How do supply chain disruptions and material procurement challenges
impact the timelines of construction projects in Owerri?
v. What technological and environmental challenges are faced by large-scale
construction projects in Owerri?
vi. What strategies can be implemented to overcome the identified challenges
and improve the management and delivery of large-scale construction
projects in Owerri?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
Based on the research questions and objectives, the following hypotheses have
been formulated:
H₀₁: Financial constraints do not significantly affect the execution of large-scale
construction projects in Owerri.
H₀₂: Regulatory and legal challenges, such as approval processes and land
disputes, do not significantly hinder the management of large-scale construction
projects in Owerri.
H₀₃: Skilled labor shortages do not significantly contribute to inefficiencies in the
execution of large-scale construction projects in Owerri.
H₀₄: Supply chain disruptions and material procurement challenges do not
significantly impact the timelines of construction projects in Owerri.
H₀₅: Technological and environmental challenges do not significantly affect large-
scale construction projects in Owerri.
H₀₆: Implementing strategies to address identified challenges does not significantly
improve the management and delivery of large-scale construction projects in
Owerri.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study on the challenges of Managing Large-Scale Construction Projects in
Owerri is significant for several reasons. It provides practical and theoretical
insights that contribute to the success of construction projects in the region. This
study identifies specific challenges such as inadequate funding, poor planning, and
project delays, equipping project managers and contractors with strategies to
mitigate these challenges.
The findings offer valuable data for formulating policies and regulations that
address the unique challenges of managing large-scale construction projects in
Owerri.
Successful management of large-scale construction projects can lead to timely
delivery, cost efficiency, and better resource utilization, which ultimately supports
economic growth in Owerri. The study underscores the importance of
infrastructure development in attracting investments and boosting the local
economy.
This research bridges a gap in the existing literature by focusing on Owerri, a
region with growing construction demands but limited academic studies addressing
its specific challenges. It provides a foundation for future studies on construction
management in similar developing urban areas.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study focuses on the challenges of managing Large-Scale
Construction Projects in Owerri and examines the key factors that affect the
successful execution of such projects.
1.7.1 Geographical Scope
The study is limited to Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, Nigeria. Owerri was
chosen due to its rapid urbanization, ongoing large-scale construction activities,
and the unique challenges faced in the region. It focuses on both public and private
construction projects within the city and its surrounding areas.
1.7.2 Contents Scope
The study explores major challenges in managing large-scale construction projects,
including but not limited to Project Planning, Funding and Budgeting, Stakeholder
Management, Technical and Logistical Issues, Environmental and Regulatory
Challenges and Delays and Project Delivery
1.7.3 Time Scope
The research focuses on construction projects executed in the last 1–3 months to
provide an up-to-date analysis of the challenges and trends in managing large-scale
projects in Owerri.