Factors Influencing Time Performance of Road Construction Projects in Bauchi Metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Time overrun remains a critical challenge in the Nigerian road construction sector, contributing to cost escalation, project abandonment, and poor service delivery. In Bauchi Metropolis, several flagship road projects have recorded significant delays despite high budgetary allocations. This study evaluated the key factors influencing time performance of road construction projects in Bauchi Metropolis. A census approach was adopted with 116 questionnaires administered to clients, consultants, and contractors involved in ongoing projects. A total of 113 responses were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean score, and Relative Importance Index (RII). Findings revealed that the top five factors influencing time performance were: ineffective planning and scheduling by contractors (RII = 0.829), poor site management and supervision (RII = 0.827), difficulties in financing projects (RII = 0.794), poor communication and coordination by contractors (RII = 0.786), and delay in progress payments by owners (RII = 0.878). Among owner-related factors, delay in payment and poor coordination were most significant. Among external factors, subsurface conditions and delay in utility services ranked highest. The dominant effects of time performance failure were time overrun (RII = 0.903), cost overrun (RII = 0.850), project abandonment (RII = 0.796), and disputes (RII = 0.775). The study concludes that contractor-related and owner-related factors are the primary drivers of delays in Bauchi Metropolis. It is recommended that contractors strengthen planning and resource mobilization, while clients ensure timely payments and prompt decision-making to improve project delivery time.