ABSTRACT

In developing countries, a lack of indigenous construction ability has resulted in an excessive reliance on imported inputs, such as construction materials, machinery, and the skilled manpower needed to build much-needed infrastructure for economic growth and improved living conditions. In most developing nations, foreign construction companies dominate the market, performing virtually entirely large construction projects. This research was carried out to determine the essential policies for the development of Indigenous Construction Firms (ICFs) in Edo state, with a view to setting them on a good ground of construction capacity. A total sample of 234 was drawn from a population of 560 consisting Architects, Builders, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors practising in Edo state. Four research questions were raised as well as two hypothesis. Data was collected using structured questionnaire administered online and physically where 45.73% (107 responses) response rate was recorded. The data collected was then analysed based on the research objectives. RII was used to rank the level of importance of the construction needs and policies of ICFs and Mann Whitney U test of significance was used to test the hypothesis. Results and findings showed that the six most important needs of ICFs in Edo state are efficient contract arrangement/documentation, Technical know-how, Access to capital, more skilled labor, Plants and equipment, and Quality workmanship.Also, the study found that the most essential policies for meeting the needs of ICFs in Edo State are: Technical skills development, Provision of loan/loan guarantee, more efficient payment procedures, improved access to materials and use of local content criteria in evaluation of tenders.Finally, it was found that contractors and consultants share the same stake on the development needs of ICFs. However, there are differences in their opinions on policies for ICFs particularly on the idea of more subcontracting by big firms and Standard contracts.

Keywords: Indigenous Construction Firms (ICFs), construction needs, policies, contractors, consultants, Mann Whitney U test of significance.