Assessing critical success factors for implementing sustainable procurement in the Nigerian construction industry

The implementation of sustainable procurement practices has gained significant attention in the construction industry as a means to promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic development. However, the successful implementation of sustainable procurement initiatives requires a thorough understanding of the critical success factors (CSFs) specific to the context in which they are applied. This study aims to assess the CSFs for implementing sustainable procurement in the Nigerian construction industry. Through an extensive literature review, a comprehensive list of potential CSFs was compiled. Subsequently a sample size of 385 procurement professionals in Nigeria was determined from an infinite population and sampled purposively to obtain their assessments of the identified CSFs. Data from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics to determine the relative importance of each CSF and factor analysis to identify the underlying constructs. The findings revealed the most important CSFs for successful implementation of sustainable procurement in the Nigerian construction industry to be; “Quality-bidding strategy for sustainable components into tender pre-qualification, selecting materials based on low risks to the environment and Availability of environmentally friendly products”. The study therefore concludes that successful implementation of sustainable procurement in the Nigerian construction industry is contingent upon critical success factors cantered on capacity, policy and strategy, environmental performance, and supplier engagement. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into the specific CSFs that are crucial for the adoption and implementation of sustainable procurement practices in the Nigerian construction industry. The identified CSFs can serve as a framework for construction firms, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to guide their efforts towards sustainable procurement. Further studies can investigate the relationship between the implementation of the identified CSFs and the actual performance outcomes of construction projects in Nigeria.