Physical Environmental Variables in the Cost of Construction in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Anyanwu C. I., Asigo P. M. M., Urowu P. E. T. England

Abstract: The causative effect on the cost of construction project in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria was examined in this work. The physical environmental variables constitute a major effect on construction project in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria particularly due to the terrain in which the Region is situated or located. This however, reduces the intended growth of the industry even though the Region is exposed to a lot of oil exploitation and prospecting activities by multi-national companies. In examining the causative effect of the physical environment on cost of construction project in NDR, ten variables were identified. Method used in the study was identification of target group of professionals who work with contractors and consultants in the NDR randomly, and the distribution of 100 structured questionnaire to the respondents. Analysis was done by using the mean square of responses, mode of response and ranking their causative effects to determine severity on cost. The statistics analysis included the use SPSS package and the determination of relative importance index (RII). Out of these variables, the physical location of the project had the most cost effect which was followed by weather condition and land dispute/ communal clashes.. The construction projects considered were roads and bridges with a minimal value of 500 million naira that are called mega.

Keywords: Physical environment, cost, construction projects, Niger Delta Region (NDR), Niger Delta Development Commission.