Traditional Building – Construction Problems: Need for Espousal of Sustainable Construction in Nigeria

Sustainable building or construction has become one of the major global practices of the 21st century. It has been observed that some of the developing countries in the west Africa such as Nigeria are yet to practice sustainable building. As the developed countries battles with measures of maintaining and improving the quality of life for its citizens and harmonize within the local climate, tradition, culture, also the environment in the region, this study examines the level of awareness of sustainable construction among the key stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry. A descriptive survey design using data collection instrument such as questionnaire was adopted. One hundred and forty-three (143) respondents were selected based on years of experience in practice in Lagos state. Structured questionnaires were used in eliciting information from the key stakeholders on their knowledge of sustainable building, and how it can be achieved in Nigeria. The frequency counts and item analysis method were used to analyse the data collected. The result of the findings shows that about 32.2% of the respondents responded with full knowledge about sustainable building, while the remaining 67.9% of the respondents were not fully equipped with the knowledge of sustainable building and what it entails. Of the 100% that heard about sustainable building/construction, 67.9% do not fully know what sustainable building is all about and its benefits. Based on the research findings, recommendations were made in order to overcome most of the construction problems facing the industry and as well improve the livelihood of the citizenry.