Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Oladoyin Abidemi Akintola, Mercy Oluwatobiloba Oyewole, John Aliu, Nicholas Ipinlaye Omoyajowo

Study on the Awareness and Practice of Circular Economy Principles among Construction Stakeholders in Nigeria

Introduction

Study on the awareness and practice of circular economy principles among construction stakeholders in nigeria. This study assesses the awareness and practice of Circular Economy Principles (CEPs) among Nigerian construction stakeholders, highlighting knowledge gaps and the need for training.

Abstract

The Nigerian construction industry, characterized by a linear  economic model and being a major contributor to waste generation, is slow in the adoption of methods that could be beneficial in sustainable waste disposal techniques. Despite the known benefits of circular economy principles (CEPs), the awareness level and usage of circular economy are still considered to be below average. This study aims to analyze the level of awareness and usage of CE principles among Nigerian construction stakeholders. It adopts a quantitative research method by using closed-ended questionnaires distributed to construction professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution for the proportion of responses and characteristics of the respondents and mean item score, standard deviation, and factor analysis for the objectives. Additionally, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy was used to indicate that the retrieved data were sufficient for factor analysis, while Bartlett’s test of sphericity (BTS) tested the significance of the correlations between the variables. The findings of the study indicate that construction professionals have only a basic knowledge of CEPs and their importance in practice, but they are very familiar with their application. Thus, it provides the basis for which construction stakeholders, policymakers, and the government can make informed decisions to improve the awareness and usage of CEPs in the construction industry. The study’s findings highlight the knowledge gap and the need for targeted educational and training initiatives, which can serve as a basis for future research and intervention programs.

Review

The submitted manuscript, "Study on the Awareness and Practice of Circular Economy Principles among Construction Stakeholders in Nigeria," addresses a highly pertinent and timely issue within the context of sustainable development. It correctly identifies the Nigerian construction industry's reliance on a linear economic model and its significant contribution to waste generation, highlighting a critical gap in the adoption of sustainable waste disposal and resource management techniques. The study's central aim to analyze the level of awareness and usage of Circular Economy Principles (CEPs) among construction stakeholders is well-defined, leveraging a quantitative research approach through questionnaire distribution to professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria. The methodology employed, utilizing closed-ended questionnaires and a robust statistical analysis framework, including frequency distribution, mean item score, standard deviation, and factor analysis, appears appropriate for the stated objectives. The inclusion of Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (BTS) provides a good indication of the statistical rigor applied to the data. The core finding reveals a nuanced situation: while construction professionals reportedly possess only a basic knowledge of CEPs and their theoretical importance, they are surprisingly familiar with the practical application of these principles. This divergence suggests an interesting dynamic where practical implementation might precede or exist independently of a formal conceptual understanding, which is a key insight. This study makes a valuable contribution by providing foundational insights into the current state of CE adoption within a significant developing economy. Its findings regarding the knowledge gap and the simultaneous familiarity with practical application offer a crucial basis for targeted interventions. The paper rightly emphasizes the need for policymakers, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to utilize these insights for informed decision-making, particularly in designing educational and training initiatives. While the focus on Lagos State provides depth, future research could expand the geographical scope to assess national trends. Overall, the manuscript serves as an essential baseline study, laying critical groundwork for future research and intervention programs aimed at fostering a more circular construction industry in Nigeria.

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