The Impact of the Technicians’ Skills Gap on the Nigerian Construction Industry: An Investigative Study

Abstract

The role and importance of the construction industry in the economic growth of Nigeria as an independent nation
cannot be overemphasised. However, the industry has experienced some setbacks over the years within the
sector in terms of its skilled workforce shortages and gaps. This study investigated the effect of the technicians’
skills gaps and their impact on the building construction industry development within the Nigerian context. The
technicians’ skills have been considered critical in terms of the building industry performance particularly in
improving the workforce efficiency and the industry’s productivity. However, there have been several exiting
gaps within the current technician skills. These gaps within skills contributed to the industry poor performances
in its competences and productivity, which in turn affected the nation’s economy. The paper critically assessed
the current technicians’ skills gaps and most appropriate training requirements for better output of the industry.
Hence, issues that negate the technicians’ skills upgrades in the industry were identified. A mixed research
methodology of enquiry was employed, comprising of quantitative and qualitative methods. These enquiries
consist of empirical literature that led to the design of a constructed questionnaire survey and interviews with
selected participants. The findings indicated that there were great demands for skilled workforce within the
Nigerian construction industry, most specifically in the building sector of the industry. Furthermore, behavioural
issues exist between the employers and employees that negate proper construction practices within the context of
the building industry. This study recommends the need for an effective technicians’ skills training and
development framework for the industry in achieving effective output for its future growth.