THE IMPACT OF SKILLED LABOUR SHORTAGES ON CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN EDO STATE
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Abstract
The persistent shortage of skilled labour has emerged as a critical challenge to the Nigerian construction industry, undermining its ability to deliver projects within the planned time, cost, and quality parameters. This study investigates the extent and nature of skilled labour shortages in Benin City, Edo State, with four main objectives: to determine the availability of skilled labour, identify the major causes of the shortage, assess its effects on project performance, and recommend strategies for mitigation. A survey research design was employed, targeting Architects, Builders, Engineers, Quantity surveyors and Project
managers. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered, and 127 valid responses were analysed. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, particularly mean item score and ranking, to establish the priority of issues identified under each objective. Findings revealed that the availability of skilled labour in the study area is low, with migration of skilled workers (Mean = 4.40), inadequate training (Mean = 4.20), and poor working conditions (Mean = 4.10) emerging as the most critical causes. Lesser causes include technological changes (Mean = 2.80) and limited career advancement opportunities (Mean = 2.70). The shortage significantly impacts project performance, with the most severe effects being project delays (Mean = 4.50), cost overruns (Mean = 4.30), and reduced quality standards (Mean =4.00), while increased supervision costs (Mean = 2.90) and difficulty meeting safety
standards (Mean = 2.80) are of lower concern. In addressing the problem, respondents ranked improved vocational and technical training programmes (Mean = 4.60), better welfare and working conditions (Mean = 4.40), and the adoption of modern construction technologies (Mean = 4.20) as the most effective strategies. Less-favoured measures included the
xii importation of foreign skilled labour (Mean = 2.70) and short-term outsourcing (Mean =2.50). The study concludes that sustainable solutions must focus on long-term workforce development, competitive employment conditions, and the integration of appropriate technologies. These measures, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve workforce capacity, enhance project delivery, and strengthen the competitiveness of the construction industry in Benin City and other similar contexts
managers. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered, and 127 valid responses were analysed. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, particularly mean item score and ranking, to establish the priority of issues identified under each objective. Findings revealed that the availability of skilled labour in the study area is low, with migration of skilled workers (Mean = 4.40), inadequate training (Mean = 4.20), and poor working conditions (Mean = 4.10) emerging as the most critical causes. Lesser causes include technological changes (Mean = 2.80) and limited career advancement opportunities (Mean = 2.70). The shortage significantly impacts project performance, with the most severe effects being project delays (Mean = 4.50), cost overruns (Mean = 4.30), and reduced quality standards (Mean =4.00), while increased supervision costs (Mean = 2.90) and difficulty meeting safety
standards (Mean = 2.80) are of lower concern. In addressing the problem, respondents ranked improved vocational and technical training programmes (Mean = 4.60), better welfare and working conditions (Mean = 4.40), and the adoption of modern construction technologies (Mean = 4.20) as the most effective strategies. Less-favoured measures included the
xii importation of foreign skilled labour (Mean = 2.70) and short-term outsourcing (Mean =2.50). The study concludes that sustainable solutions must focus on long-term workforce development, competitive employment conditions, and the integration of appropriate technologies. These measures, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve workforce capacity, enhance project delivery, and strengthen the competitiveness of the construction industry in Benin City and other similar contexts
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