The Origin of Conflict to Dispute in Nigeria Construction site

Abstract

Conflict in the construction industry is so complex that if not properly handled, can escalate to litigation or reduce productivity, this result to varieties of people involved in construction production. Conflict is inevitable in Nigeria construction site due to diverse religion, ethnicity, tribes and other man made factors. Hence, conflict often leads to dispute. Disputes have become an endemic feature of the Nigeria construction industry; if they are not resolved promptly they can result in drawing back construction projects with considerable cost. The survey method adopted for this work through questionnaire; the questionnaires were distributed to contractors, clients and consultants in the construction site in Lagos state, Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed in rating form to determine the major causes of conflict to dispute in Nigeria construction site. The results obtained from ranking analysis shows that specification and design oversight, poor materials usage, bankruptcy of contractor, cost overrun, delay and time overrun and poor workmanship were rank high on the causes of disputes in Nigeria construction site. The research concluded that dispute causes more harm than good in construction project, therefore action should be taken to minimize such dispute in construction site in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of construction industry.

Keywords:  Conflict, Conflict management, Dispute, Delay, Construction site.