Identifying and Mitigating the Impact of Insecurity on Construction Project Delivery: A Case Study of Kebbi State

Abstract

The construction sector is crucial for economic growth, yet its efficiency is increasingly jeopardized by insecurity, especially in developing regions. This study examines the effects of insecurity on construction project delivery in Kebbi State, Nigeria, aiming to identify key security challenges and propose effective mitigation strategies. A mixed-method approach was utilized, combining quantitative data from 100 structured questionnaires administered to construction professionals and qualitative insights from 15 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as contractors, project managers, and community leaders. The analysis included descriptive statistics, the Relative Importance Index (RII), and regression analysis for quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Results indicate that insecurity significantly hampers construction performance, with project delays (Mean = 4.45) and cost overruns (Mean = 4.32) being the most critical impacts. Other significant effects include workforce shortages, decreased productivity, and material theft. The RII results highlight that banditry (0.89), kidnapping (0.85), and theft/vandalism (0.80) are the primary security threats in the area. Regression analysis reveals a strong negative correlation between insecurity and project performance (β = -0.68, p < 0.05), indicating that higher insecurity levels lead to worse project outcomes. Qualitative findings support these results, emphasizing frequent disruptions, increased security costs, worker anxiety, and inadequate government responses. The study concludes that insecurity is a major factor influencing construction project success in Kebbi State, affecting operational efficiency, financial stability, and workforce morale. Recommendations include enhanced security measures, improved government intervention, community engagement, comprehensive risk management, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.