THE CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF CONTRACTORS IN NIGERIA CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction industry in Nigeria faces challenges in contractor selection, with the current selection criteria criticized for being too rigid and unable to adapt to the dynamic nature of construction projects. This study aims to evaluate and improve the contractor selection criteria in Nigeria, focusing on identifying the factors affecting contractor selection, assessing their impact, and proposing solutions to minimize these effects. A quantitative approach was employed, using a survey research design, with a sample size of 84 professionals in the construction industry in Kwara State, including architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, builders, and contractors. Data were collected through questionnaires, and the analysis was conducted using charts (pie and bar) and the Mean Item Score (MIS) technique, with SPSS 25 and Microsoft Excel for data processing. The study found that "Reputation and Past Performance" and "Technical and Non-Technical Factors" were the most important criteria in contractor selection. The analysis also revealed that contractor selection is greatly influenced by risk management, resource availability, safety records, and adaptability. Respondents recommended improving contractor selection through transparency and accountability measures, standardizing evaluation criteria, and adopting advanced evaluation techniques. These findings highlight the need for modernized and flexible contractor selection processes, ensuring more reliable, efficient, and successful project outcomes.