Readiness Assessment of Construction Firms for Fourth Industrial Revolution Implementation in Nigeria

Abstract

The construction industry remains one of the least digitalised major economic sectors despite the global diffusion of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies such as building information modelling, the Internet of Things, big data analytics, robotics, drones and cyber-physical systems. This paper examines the readiness of construction firms in Nigeria for 4IR implementation through a structured narrative-systematic review and synthesis of literature on technology readiness, the diffusion of innovation, and Construction 4.0. Based on established readiness models in developed and developing economies, the study develops a sixteen-variable readiness framework across technological, organisational and environmental dimensions. The findings indicate that the readiness of Nigerian construction firms is generally low to moderate, mainly constrained by inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited financial capacity for technology investment, scarcity of digitally skilled personnel, weak government policy support, and cautious organisational culture towards innovation. Emerging enablers include increased awareness among younger professionals and greater exposure to building information modelling in polytechnic and university curricula. The paper argues that the readiness assessment must be conducted before the large-scale 4IR rollout; otherwise misallocation of resources and failure of implementation are likely to occur, especially among small and medium-sized contracting firms that dominate the Nigerian market. It recommends a staged, stakeholder-led adoption pathway based on capacity building, infrastructure investment and supportive policy. The sixteen-variable framework presented is a pragmatic diagnostic tool that construction firms, policymakers and researchers can adapt for empirical readiness assessment in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.