THE INFLUENCE OF IMPLEMENTATION PHASE PRINCIPLES ON PROJECT PERFORMANCE WITHIN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Usman, N.D¹, Kamau, P.K.² and Mireri, C.³

¹Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Nigeria, ^2,3Department of Environmental Planning and Management, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.

E-mail: napodanusman@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The building industry contributes immensely to the development of any nation even though its contribution is less than the manufacturing industries; it is a major player in the socio-economic development of many countries globally. However, recently, issues of quality, costs, reliability and human and environmental safety have emerged posing a challenge to the growth of the industry. This is as a result of poor implementation phase principles in the industry. Yet, poor implementation in the Nigerian Building Industry (NBI) was linked to its inability to deliver service effectively and efficiently; and these are obstacles on the Nigerian economy. This study therefore sought to determine how implementation phase principles may influence project performance within the building industry in Abuja, Nigeria. Explanatory and descriptive approaches were used to obtain data from completed project files (three from both public and private sectors respectively) and professionals from the building industry.  Stratified and purposive random samplings were used to select completed projects and qualitative data for the purpose of analysis.  The results revealed that implementation phase principles were not adopted due to poor management of projects, unnecessary rush in project implementation, inadequate planning and budgetary provisions, costly project execution. Still, the current traditional system is not working, but if implementation phase principle is employed, it could improve project performance and will reduce cost and time overruns.

THE ROLES OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF NIGERIA CITIES

Babatunde, Luqman Olakunle

Department of Architecture,

The Polytechnic Ibadan, Saki Campus, Oyo State, Nigeria.

E-mail: kbabatmillarch@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with the roles of architecture to the growth of Nigeria cities. Nigeria cities continue to grow and develop overtime, the paper looks at the forces that have shaped and patterned their evolution over time. This research work revealed that social changes particularly the shift from traditional community and ways of life, to more western ways of life have greatly impact and influence on building and residential labours. In view of the above, the paper concludes by suggesting ways to promote the practice of contemporary architecture in order to enhance further the transformation of Nigerian cities to meet world standard.

MINERALOGICAL ALTERATION OF KERRI-KERRI SANDSTONE

EXPOSED IN GOMBE, GONGOLA BASIN

Y.B. Mohammed and M.W. Sidi

Department of Geology

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

E-mail: batayakubu69@gmail.com, bzakirai@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out in the outskirt of Gombe Town, Upper Benue Trough with view of determining the mineralogical composition and alteration of the exposed Kerri-Kerri Sandstone. The investigation reveals that minerals observed under cross-polar and polarized light include the following: quartz, feldspar, iron oxide and limonite. Quartz is more abundant in the samples collected and showed that the source is possibly quartz–bearing plutonic rock. Mineralogically, the sandstone is immature because the proportion of feldspar is greater than 20%. The alteration of the sandstone was prove by delicate external and internal morphologies which preclude sedimentary transport and spatial relationships of detrital and diagenetic components indicating an origin which post–dates deposition as an earlier diagenetic stage, and thirdly, compositions which differ radically from similar materials of detrital origin.

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATIONS IN SOILS OF ACID BATTERY WASTE DUMPSITES IN ABA SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

¹Ogu, O.G. and ²Ogwo, P.A.

¹Department of Environmental Resource Management, Abia State University Uturu, Uturu, Nigeria

²Department of Environmental Management &Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

E-mail: ogechi.godson@yahoo.com, pfaikon78@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

A study of heavy metals concentrations in battery waste dumpsites in Aba Southeastern Nigeria (Latitude 5⁰ 8’ 59” and Longitude 7⁰ 19’ 49”) was conducted. A transect soil survey was used to guide soil sampling. Soil samples (0-20cm) were collected from two dumpsites using a Stainless Steel Auger and the control was collected 100m away from the dumpsites. The samples were air-dried and digested with concentrated HNO₄ and HClO₄ acids; Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Zn were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer model 211VGP. Data were analyzed statistically using mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation measured in percentage. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Zn in dumpsite 1 (Umuaduru dumpsite) were (1183, 3133, 4550, 416, 3783, 4383, 1216, 886)ppm respectively, while their concentrations in dumpsite 2 (Umuehilegbu dumpsite) were (1666, 3700, 4016, 633, 4333, 4483, 1500, 1234)ppm respectively. The results showed a significant difference between the concentrations of heavy metals studied in the dumpsites and the control (P>0.05). The heavy metals released were found to follow the order; Cd < ZN < Ni < Pb < Cu < Cr < Mn < Zn. The study found that there is an ongoing build up of toxic heavy metals in soil at the dumpsites studied and their concentrations were already higher than the established limits for some metals. The study recommends; prevention of any form of farming on the dumpsites, relocation of the dumpsites out of the city, segregation of wastes at the point of generation, use of geosynthetic clay liners as barriers for the prevention of leachate percolation.

AN APPRAISAL OF THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENTAL STRATEGIES FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ON POVERTY REDUCTION IN NIGERIA 

¹Ishaku Hamidu and ²Gambo Yusuf

¹Department of Political Science, Yobe State University Damaturu, Nigeria.

²Department of Economics, College of Education Waka-Biu, Borno State, Nigeria.

E-mail: hamidushasks002@gmail.com, mibwalagambo@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Every nation is expected to grow and mature in multifarious sectors, not only for meeting the socio-economic needs of its citizens but creating the necessary environment for them to achieve their personal goals and contribute to the nation’s stability and progress. Nigeria’s Heads of States and Governments in collaboration with various ministries and agencies evolved strategies and mechanisms for effecting micro-economic changes for national development. Before and after independence in Nigeria for instance, there were several development plans; policy statements and other programmes like the National Food Production Programme (N.A.F.P.P); Operation Feed the Nation (O.F.N); Green Revolution (G.R); Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructures (D.F.R.R.I) among others. The objectives of these governmental policies look very viable and promising in enhancing food production, reducing and possibly eradicating poverty in the Nigerian state; as well as to boost the rural economy and fundamentally stimulate development of the national economy, thereby making Nigeria an economic giant on the continent and even beyond. However, in spite of the huge financial allocations and investments by the governments; millions of Nigerians are said to be living below a dollar each day, Nigeria is still importing food to feed her citizens after fifty three years of nationhood, there are high numbers of unemployed youths in the land and the rural areas are not developed. The study which is ex-post facto library research, examines O.F.N and G.R as the two strategies which focus on food security cum poverty reduction. Corruption, poor infrastructures, political instability, poor level of public participation etc were identified as the common challenges militating against the strategies’ efficacy and some recommendations were proffered for present and future political leaders to note for national socio-economic development.

PER CAPITA WASTE GENERATION AND VARIATION IN KARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

A.T. Ogah* and M.M. Alhassan**

*Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

**Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

E-mail: tankogah@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Increasing amount of waste is clearly an issue of concern within the satellite towns of the Federal Capital City of Abuja. In the last decade, these satellite towns have witnessed tremendous influx of immigrants resulting in the overstretching of the basic infrastructural facilities, one of which is waste collection and disposal facility. This study examined per capita waste generation and its variation in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The objectives of this research were achieved using 300 copies of questionnaire administered to heads of households and weighing of waste. Solid wastes generated within twenty four hours were weighed and recorded. Data derived from field were subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics to determine the per capita wet and dry season’s waste generation for the various sampling locations across the study area, student’s t-test was used in assessing the significance of the difference in average per capita waste generation. Results obtained shows that the rate of per capita waste generation for the three sites is 0.537kg and 0.92kg for dry and wet seasons respectively. There is no significant variation in the amount or rates of waste generated among the three study sites in the two seasons at 5% probability level (.090 > 0.05). Therefore, it is concluded that average per capita waste generation for the three areas are almost the same, and waste generated during the dry and wet seasons varied. Recommendations include the encouragement of recycling, re-use and sorting of households waste, among others.

THE ROLE OF BUILT ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: AN OVERVIEW

Omozokpia E. Ruth and Mamman E. Juliet

Department of Quantity Surveying

Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

ruthomozokpia@gmail.com, julietekemenajuliet@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The perception of hazards is a research issue familiar to environmental psychologists. However, the cost implication aspects of technological hazards are one of the newly emerging topics hardly known some few decades ago but quickly gaining worldwide attention and pertinence as recent events in the world testify.  Also the hazards associated with our physical surroundings, especially those environmental components that are the products of human activities and industry have become increasingly important issues of public policy and opinion. This paper focuses on environmental hazards, natural and as a result of technological advancement. It examines tools for implementing environmental risk reduction in environmental hazard zones and skills built environmental professionals can bring in to environmental hazard management. The special professional knowledge, skills and competencies that need to be shared across all the built environment professions in relation to the entire disaster management process are established in the current literature. A literature synthesis and a comprehensive desk review were carried out to review the roles of the built professionals.

EVALUATION OF WATER RESOURCES OF BIDA TOWN IN CENTRAL NIGERIA

¹Olagoke, O. and ²Olatunji, J.A.

¹Research Outreach Department, Irrigation Unit, National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi.

²Mineral Resources Engineering Department, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

 E-mail: tobaolagoke@gmail.com, olatwise@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

There are great concerns for quality of water supply all over the world most especially in developing countries. The concern in this research work is in the ancient town of Bida, which serves as one of the major stopover to the Federal Capital Territory and Minna the capital city of Niger State, where brass, glass and black smith work is a popular industry next to agriculture. The aforementioned activities have prompted the present study into the evaluation of water resources quality in the Bida sandstone around Bida town, Niger State, Nigeria. The sandstone occupies the central sector of Bida basin and it belongs to Bida sandstone series, which is characterised by siltstone, clay-stone and conglomerate. The aquifer types are unconfined, semi-confined and confined, with a member of the sandstone series serving as the principal aquifer. Various methods (physical, chemical and bacteriological) of evaluating surface and groundwater were employed to detect localities with good quality and area where water is loaded with chemical and bacteriological substances in undesirable amount. The study revealed that major elements analyzed have concentrations that are within the World Health Standard. However, in some localities especially around area where the major brass works are carried out, the surface water have the following trace elements: Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb and Cr in an amount higher than World Health Standard. Generally, the well and river water contains coliform and faecal coliform in an amount beyond the stipulated amount safe for human consumption, which is an indication of domestic contamination. The overall finding is that the groundwater obtained from the boreholes in the study area is safer than other sources of water.

AN EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN NIGER STATE

Mamman .E. Juliet and Omozokpia .E. Ruth

Department of Quantity Surveying

The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

E-mail:ekemenajuliet@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The construction industry is multifaceted in nature because it encompasses large numbers of parties as owners or clients, contractors, consultants, stakeholders and regulators. Construction projects in Niger state suffer from many problems and complicated issues in performance such as cost, time and quality. The study aims to identify and evaluate the main factors affecting the performance of construction projects in Niger state. The objectives are to evaluate the most significant key performance indicators of construction projects and to formulate recommendations to improve performance of construction projects. In the study, factors affecting the performance of construction projects were identified from a literature search and subjected to the views and opinions of respondents using a structured questionnaire. Fifty seven (57) questionnaire representing 64% were received and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results indicated that the most important factors agreed by the owners, consultants, and contractors as the main factors affecting the performance of construction projects in Niger State were: availability of personnel with a high experience and qualifications, quality of equipment and raw materials in project, conformance to specification, planned time for project construction, availability of resources as planned through project duration, average delay in payment from owner to contractor, information coordination between client and project parties. It was recommended that client should facilitate payment to contractors. All professional should participate in sensitive and vital decision-making. Continuous coordination and relationship between project participants are required for solving problems and developing project performance.

REVIEW OF SUBCONTRACTING PRACTICE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abdullahi, A.H.

Department of Quantity Surveying,

The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

E-mail: ameehajj@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Great numbers of traders from different specialization makes construction industry complicated and unique industry. The construction process is a function of many variables and is exceptionally complex both in conception and implementation. In a construction project of appreciable size, it is probable that much of the actual work will be sub-contracted. The situation is no longer obtainable for a contractor (builder) to simply carry out all the works for the client. This is as a result of the need to involve other specialists in some elements of the work. Success of a construction project is essential depending on the ability of the general contractor to select the appropriate subcontractor during bidding process, and the sufficient management of subcontractor during construction. Main contractors use subcontracting as a means of surviving the volatility of the construction business cycle such as transferring financial risks and burdens and offloading direct employment responsibility. The construction industry is one of the main sectors of the economy. The contracting companies carry out important construction projects in cooperation with subcontractors. The majority of works in construction projects (such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, and ironmongery works) are implemented by subcontractors through the main contractors. The paper is a summary of literature review done on the definitions, relationship between the client, contractor (builder) and the sub-contractor, formation of building contracts.