ASSESSING FACTORS HINDERING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) ADOPTION AMONG NIGERIAN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PRACTITIONERS

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers significant potential to enhance performance, collaboration, and data management within the Facilities Management (FM) industry. However, its adoption in Nigeria remains limited. This study aims to assess the key factors hindering BIM adoption among Nigerian FM practitioners. A quantitative research approach was employed, drawing on both secondary data from literature and primary data from a structured questionnaire survey. Of the 120 questionnaires distributed, 102 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The findings suggest that while BIM can substantially enhance FM operations, its adoption is hindered by several underlying issues. The five most critical hindering factors include the absence of best practices and guidelines, the unavailability of BIM experts, the lack of knowledge regarding BIM benefits, the high cost of adoption procedures, and the absence of technological experience among employees. Further factor analysis revealed that these challenges can be grouped into three major components: Data and Technology Systems–related, Cost–related, and Knowledge and Regulation–related factors. The study concludes that addressing these barriers through targeted training, institutional guidelines, and cost-reduction strategies is essential to foster BIM integration in FM practice. Improving awareness and policy support can enable Nigerian FM professionals to leverage BIM for enhanced operational efficiency and sustainable asset management.