Craft Skills Availability in the Nigerian Construction Industry: Perception of Contractors and Consultants

The research was aimed at examining the availability and quality of some crafts skills in the Nigerian construction industry. The perception of contractors and consultants was sought via a structured questionnaire. Findings from the study indicate shortages and poor quality of craftsmen. About 91.8% of the respondents believed that there is shortage of skilled craftsmen in the Nigerian construction industry. According to consultants, tilers, interior decorators, glaziers and electricians were ranked as the most affected trades. Contractors also perceived tilers, interior decorators, glaziers, and electricians as the least available trades in the industry. The study concluded by affirming that, the issue of crafts-skill shortage is a challenge in the construction sector requiring concerted efforts from all stakeholders. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]