The Impact of Informal Transport Costs and Professional Practice on Construction Project Delivery in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The construction industry in Nigeria faces persistent challenges of cost overruns, time delays, and quality deficiencies. One understudied contributor is construction logistics, particularly the growing reliance on informal transport such as tricycles "Keke" for last-mile delivery. This study examined the impact of informal transport costs and professional practice on construction project delivery in Abia State, Nigeria. A convergent parallel mixed method design was adopted. Data were collected from 278 construction professionals and Keke operators using structured questionnaires, and from 10 project managers through key informant interviews. Taro Yamane’s formula was used to determine sample size. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression at 0.05 level of significance, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed a high extent of use of informal transport for construction logistics, mean = 4.07, and a moderate level of professional practice, mean = 3.03. There was a significant negative relationship between informal transport cost and project delivery, r = -.342, p <.05, and a significant positive relationship between professional practice and project delivery, r =.475, p <.05. The regression model was significant, R² = 0.344, F = 72.84, p <.05, indicating that informal transport cost and professional practice jointly explain 34.4% of variance in project delivery. The study concluded that while informal transport is essential for site accessibility, its cost implications can be mitigated through stronger professional logistics practice. It was recommended that construction firms develop formal logistics plans, government should regulate Keke rates, and professional bodies should include informal logistics in CPD programs.