What are the Barriers and Drivers Toward BIM Adoption in Nigeria?

The ‘digitalization and collaboration’ or Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry has been gaining momentum in the recent academic engagements. Despite its existence in many industries (i.e. publishing, retailing, financial and travel services) for over a decade, the construction industry is yet to catch up with them. This is due to several challenges whose existence are more dynamic and perhaps generic than static to various countries. The challenges are mostly defined, but their impacts are frequently varied with boundaries; and the same applied to drivers toward a successful BIM adoption. This study aims to establish barriers and drivers to adopting BIM across Nigerian construction industry professions for synchronization and collective engagements. Primary data was fetched from professional stakeholders (Architects, Engineers, Builders, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Planners) using online structured questionnaire. A total of 68 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study reveals a significant improvement in awareness level with much better adoption rate; however, the utilization level remain very limited due to lack of clarity, knowledge and guide. Lack of expertise within organizations and within project team as well as lack of standardization and protocols (in descending order) were found as significant barriers to BIM adoption. On the other hand, availability of trained professionals to handle BIM tools, proof of cost savings by its adoption and the BIM software affordability (in descending order) were found as the significant drivers to achieving a quick and effective BIM adoption. Recommendations were made based on the study findings.