An Assessment of Critical Challenges in Supply Chain Management: Evidence from the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract

This study assesses the critical challenges in Supply Chain Management (SCM) within the Nigerian construction industry. A quantitative survey was administered to 150 construction professionals in Abuja, utilizing a structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that the current state of SCM is poor, with delay in material delivery emerging as the most severe challenge (Mean = 4.2, SD = 0.8), followed by poor stakeholder coordination and lack of transparency. The study provides empirical evidence of systemic SCM inefficiencies and establishes a diagnostic baseline such as the adoption of digital tools like Internet of things (IoT) and cloud computing for effective management. Hence, the study recommends for future research on implementation strategies of such tools for effective policy formulation in the industry.