Modular Construction and Prefabrication: Opportunities and Barriers for Adoption in Nigerian Housing Delivery

Abstract

Modular construction and prefabrication technologies have demonstrated significant potential for accelerating housing delivery and reducing costs globally. This paper explores the opportunities and barriers for adoption of modular construction in Nigerian housing programmes. A systematic review of global literature was combined with a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 20 Nigerian construction industry stakeholders. The principal opportunities identified include speed of construction, enhanced quality control, and reduced construction waste. Key barriers include limited local manufacturing capacity for prefabricated components, cultural preferences for on-site construction, high import costs, and lack of enabling regulatory frameworks. A roadmap for staged adoption of modular construction in Nigeria is proposed, emphasising local production capacity building and pilot government housing schemes.