CRITICAL CONTRACTORS’ SELECTION CRITERIA IN PROCUREMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

The current practice in the Nigerian construction industry as regard to the contractor selection, traditional approach is still considered where the lowest price (economy) is prioritized. This one-way practice is not in line with the United Nation requirement. The requirement of the United Nations in terms of construction project development is to consider sustainability in all aspect of construction processes. To achieve sustainable infrastructure project delivery, there is need to consider the three key elements of sustainability (Economy, Environmental and Social) in the contractor selection process. This study therefore identifies and evaluates the critical contractors’ selection criteria for achieving sustainable infrastructure project delivery in Nigeria. Data collection was based on self-administered questionnaires from construction professionals, while data analysis techniques employed include: descriptive analysis, normality test; reliability test; validity test using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Barlett’s test of sphericity; factor analysis; and structural equation modelling (SEM) using SmartPLS. Thirteen (13) critical criteria items were validated under three classifications (Economic, Social, and Environmental). The social criteria items are community engagement, sustainable material and success record of sustainable project. The economic criteria items are risk management, circular economy practice project management capability, current work load, financial stability and technical capacity. The environmental criteria items are experience in sustainable construction, health and safety compliance and green construction capability. The implication of this study is to assist construction practitioners, researchers, and academics to focus on the critical criteria that are necessary to support the sustainable infrastructure development practice in the developing countries like Nigeria in order to enhance the value of construction projects. The final result reveals the social criteria as the most critical to sustainable infrastructure project delivery. This study thus, recommends increased focus on social criteria in stakeholders’ contractor selection decision-making process for effective sustainable infrastructure project delivery in Nigeria.