Impact of Precision on Working Drawing and Specification in the Nigerian Construction Industry
- Andrew Chiduzie EKUGO
- Helen O. ODEYEMI
- Stephen Oyebisi TITILOYE
- Bamidele Jonathan ADEWUMI
- Adekunle Owolabi OGUNNAIKE
- 7822-7834
- Sep 25, 2025
- Environment
Impact of Precision on Working Drawing and Specification in the Nigerian Construction Industry
*Helen O. ODEYEMI., Andrew Chiduzie EKUGO., Stephen Oyebisi TITILOYE., Bamidele Jonathan ADEWUMI., Adekunle Owolabi OGUNNAIKE
Department of Architecture, College of Environmental Science and Management, Caleb University, Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.908000651
Received: 18 August 2025; Accepted: 25 August 2025; Published: 25 September 2025
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of precision on working drawings and specifications in the Nigerian construction industry, with a particular focus on the role of digital fabrication technologies. As working drawings and specifications serve as the backbone of project communication and execution, their accuracy is critical to minimizing errors, reducing delays, and improving quality on construction sites. A quantitative survey involving 539 construction professionals was conducted to assess perceptions of how tools such as CAD, BIM, and other digital methods influence documentation precision and implementation accuracy. The findings reveal that while digital fabrication significantly enhances the clarity, consistency, and constructability of construction documents, widespread adoption is limited due to high software costs, inadequate training, and resistance to change. The study draws on Information Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explain the relationship between communication efficiency and technology adoption in the Nigerian context. It concludes that improving precision through digital documentation practices is essential for elevating standards in the industry, and recommends capacity-building, policy reforms, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote a precision-driven construction culture.
Keywords: Precision, Working Drawings, Specifications, Digital Fabrication, Nigerian Construction Industry.
INTRODUCTION
The Nigerian construction industry has undergone significant transformation over the past two decades, characterized by increasing project scale, diversity in building typologies, and a growing reliance on multidisciplinary collaboration (Akpo, Onoriode & Jude, 2023; Adewumi, Onamade, Asaju & Adegbile, 2023). However, these advancements, one critical issue continues to hinder efficiency and quality which is the lack of precision in working drawings and specifications. These construction documents are the primary tools through which design intent is communicated to contractors, consultants, and regulatory authorities (Ndekugri Ankrah & Adaku, 2022). When produced accurately, they facilitate seamless project execution, cost control, and quality assurance. However, imprecise or poorly detailed drawings often result in project delays, increased requests for information (RFIs), cost overruns, material waste, and even structural failures (Tessema, 2023; Asaju, Adewumi Onamade & Alagbe, 2024; Hassan, Adewumi & Olukunga, 2024). This challenge is especially pronounced in Nigeria, where traditional documentation practices still dominate much of the design and construction process (George, Adewumi, Otuonuyo, Oyewole, Oparinde & Yussuff, 2025; Asaju et. al, 2024).
Working drawings serve as the technical language of construction, detailing everything from dimensional measurements and material assemblies to service layouts and site integration (Bisharat, 2025). Specifications complement these by defining performance standards, material qualities, and installation procedures. The synergy of both ensures that a project is buildable as envisioned by the designer. However, in many Nigerian projects, there is a gap between design documentation and actual site implementation, largely due to errors, omissions, or ambiguities in the drawings and specs (Owolabi, Harry, Adewumi, Onamade & Alagbe, 2025, Adewumi, Asaju, Bello, Atulegwu, Ibhafidon, Otunoyo, Ogunyemi, 2025). These inaccuracies often stem from manual drafting, lack of standardization, inadequate supervision, and insufficient training in modern design practices. The result is a construction environment where improvisation and reactive problem-solving are normalized, often at the expense of time, cost, and quality.
Globally, the construction sector has responded to these challenges through the adoption of digital fabrication technologies such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and 3D printing (Ajiboro, 2022). These tools introduce a higher degree of precision by integrating geometry with data-rich parameters, facilitating coordination between design and implementation phases. In high-performing construction environments such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, digital precision has translated to improved accuracy, reduced construction waste, and fewer disputes during project delivery (Evans & Farrell, 2023). While Nigerian professionals are increasingly aware of these tools, actual implementation remains low due to factors such as high software costs, lack of technical infrastructure, limited training opportunities, and a general resistance to innovation which hinder the full integration of digital precision techniques into mainstream practice (Hajid & Sembiring, 2025; Asaju et. al, 2024, Hassan et. al, 2024).
This study is grounded in two theoretical frameworks: Information Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Information Theory emphasizes the clarity and fidelity of message transmission between sender and receiver in this case, between designers and contractors via drawings and specifications (Johnson, 2025). Errors in documentation are viewed as “noise” that distorts this communication channel. Therefore, reducing this noise through precision-oriented digital tools ensures better understanding and implementation. The TAM, on the other hand, focuses on user behavior and the factors that influence technology adoption namely perceived usefulness and ease of use (Muflih, 2023). This dual-theory approach allows the study to not only assess the technical benefits of precision but also investigate why digital tools are or are not being adopted within the Nigerian context.
Most prior research on Nigerian construction challenges has focused on general project delays, cost escalation, and low technology adoption. While important, these studies often overlook the foundational role that precise documentation plays in shaping project outcomes. There is a noticeable research gap in directly connecting the precision of working drawings and specifications to construction efficiency and quality, particularly in relation to the digital tools that can enhance such precision. This study seeks to fill that gap by empirically examining how digital fabrication technologies influence documentation quality and, by extension, construction performance in Nigeria.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
Precision in construction documentation, particularly working drawings and specifications, is a cornerstone of effective project delivery (Alugbue, Otuonuyo, Adewumi, Onamade & Asaju, 2024, Owolabi et. al, 2025; Adewumi et. al, 2025). Working drawings are the technical language of the construction process, conveying critical dimensions, construction details, and coordination among architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems (Mba, Okeke, Igwe, Achara, Chimbuchi, Precious & Wilson, 2024). Specifications, on the other hand, define the quality, performance, and materials required to realize the design intent captured in the drawings (Beyan & Rossy, 2023). Together, these documents form the basis for communication, cost estimation, scheduling, procurement, and regulatory compliance (Vaghani, 2024). Inadequacies in precision can lead to misinterpretation, omissions, design clashes, cost overruns, project delays, and, in severe cases, construction failures (Ezzat, 2024). In the context of the Nigerian construction industry, documentation has historically suffered from poor detailing, lack of standardization, and minimal integration of technology (Abdulraheem, Abdulazeez, Bello, Faruq, Musa & Shabi, 2025; Adewumi, Onamade, Onyikeh, Otuonuyo, Alagbe, Adegbile & Dayomi, 2025). This is often attributed to manual drafting, inadequate training, and resistance to digital transition. As construction projects become more complex and time-sensitive, the need for accurate and unambiguous documentation has grown more urgent (Jamshidi, 2023; Alugbue et al, 2024). Precision, in this sense, is not limited to exact numerical measurements, but extends to clarity, consistency, completeness, and constructability (Khan, 2024).
Digital fabrication technologies (Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Computer Numerical Control (CNC), 3D scanning, and 3D printing) have introduced new dimensions to precision (He, Li, Gan & Ma, 2021). These tools allow designers to produce parametric, data-rich models that integrate geometry with specifications in real time. When these models are used to generate construction drawings, they reduce human error, enhance design coordination, and allow for seamless translation from virtual to physical construction (Emesiobi, Otuonuyo, Adewumi, Asaju & Onamade, 2024; Adewumi et. al, 2023). In high-performing construction environments, such as in Europe and parts of Asia, the integration of digital fabrication has led to measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and client satisfaction (Evans et al., 2023). The Nigerian context, however, presents a unique mix of technological lag, economic constraints, and institutional barriers that affect the adoption and efficacy of these tools. Precision in working drawings and specifications also has a profound effect on site implementation (Zhang, Cheng, Chen & Chen, 2022). When drawings are accurate, tradespeople are better equipped to execute tasks as intended, procurement is better aligned with actual needs, and quality assurance becomes more objective (Cicek & Nilsson, 2024, Emesiobi et. al, 2024). Conversely, when precision is lacking, construction teams are forced to make on-the-spot interpretations or improvisations, which compromises quality and consistency (Azzam, 2024, Adewumi et. al, 2025). Therefore, improving the precision of documentation through digital tools not only impacts the pre-construction phase but reverberates through construction and post-occupancy phases.
Theoretical Review
Several theories can provide a lens through which to understand the dynamics between precision in construction documentation and the overall performance of construction projects. For this study, two theoretical frameworks are especially relevant: the Information Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).
Information Theory
Originally formulated by Claude Shannon in 1948, Information Theory focuses on the transmission of information from sender to receiver and the factors that can lead to distortion or loss of message fidelity. In the construction industry, working drawings and specifications act as information carriers between designers (senders) and contractors or construction workers (receivers) (Fahad & Mohamad, 2023). The greater the noise (errors, ambiguities, omissions), the more likely the information will be misinterpreted, resulting in flawed outputs. Therefore, from this perspective, the use of digital tools in producing working drawings enhances the fidelity of communication by reducing the “noise” introduced by human error, poor drafting, or vague specifications. High-precision documentation, therefore, can be seen as a method of reducing information entropy and increasing the clarity and predictability of the construction process.
Figure 1: Information Theory
Source: Fahad & Mohamad (2023)
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
Developed by Davis (1989), the Technology Acceptance Model explains how users come to accept and use a technology. TAM posits that two key factors (Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU)) influence an individual’s intention to adopt new technology (Hussain, Zhiqiang, Li, Jameel, Kanwel, Ahmad & Ge, 2025). In the context of digital fabrication for working drawings, professionals in the Nigerian construction industry are more likely to adopt digital tools if they perceive them to enhance accuracy (usefulness) and if the tools are user-friendly or compatible with their workflow (ease of use). The study’s examination of whether digital fabrication is perceived as improving drawing precision and implementation accuracy aligns directly with TAM, offering insights into why adoption may be high, partial, or resisted within the Nigerian context.
Figure 2: Technology Acceptance Model
Source: Hussain, Zhiqiang, Li, Jameel, Kanwel, Ahmad & Ge (2025)
Empirical Review
Numerous empirical studies have demonstrated the impact of digital technologies on construction documentation quality and project outcomes. Emmanuel, Danquah, Ukpoju, Obasa & Motilola (2024) found that Building Information Modeling (BIM) reduced coordination errors in working drawings by up to 40% in large-scale U.S. construction projects. Similarly, Babaeian & Shu (2021) reported that digital fabrication tools contributed to improved design communication, accuracy in cost estimation, and a significant reduction in requests for information (RFIs) during construction. In the African context, Ogbu, Taigbenu & Asuquo (2022) assessed the quality of construction documents in Nigeria and found that a significant number of disputes between contractors and consultants were traceable to imprecise or conflicting documentation. A later study by Eze, Aghimien, Aigbavboa & Sofolahan (2024) linked the low adoption of BIM in Nigeria to limited awareness and training, despite its potential to revolutionize documentation and reduce construction waste. Another empirical study by Noruwa, Arewa & Merschbrock (2022) showed that construction professionals who had adopted digital tools reported fewer design variations, better client satisfaction, and improved cost control. Furthermore, research by Omotayo, Egbelakin, Ogunmakinde & Sojobi (2024) revealed that while many Nigerian firms have acquired digital design tools, their full integration into the design-to-construction pipeline remains limited. Common barriers included high software costs, inadequate technical training, and institutional inertia. These studies collectively confirm that digital fabrication holds promise for improving precision but that the level of impact is contingent on a combination of technical, economic, and cultural factors (Adewumi, Onamade, David-Mukoro, Bamiloye, Otuonuyo, Chukwuka & Oru, 2025).
Research Gap
Despite growing interest in digital tools for construction, there is a notable lack of empirical studies that focus specifically on the impact of precision in working drawings and specifications in the Nigerian construction industry, particularly through the lens of digital fabrication techniques. Most existing studies either focus broadly on BIM adoption, or on general project delivery outcomes, without directly linking precision in documentation to implementation accuracy and construction quality. Moreover, there is limited data that captures the perceptions of Nigerian professionals regarding how precision influences real-world construction outcomes. This study seeks to fill this gap by providing quantitative and qualitative data on the role of digital fabrication in improving documentation precision, the implications for project implementation, and the barriers to integration within the Nigerian context. In doing so, the study aims to offer actionable insights for industry stakeholders and inform policies that promote precision-driven construction practices.
METHODOLOGY
This study employed a quantitative descriptive survey research design to investigate the impact of precision on working drawings and specifications within the Nigerian construction industry. The structured questionnaire format enabled the use of statistical tools to analyze relationships between digital fabrication techniques and the precision of working drawings. The target population for this study comprised professionals actively involved in the Nigerian construction industry, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, and other related practitioners. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed to participants across different regions in Nigeria using purposive and convenience sampling techniques to capture a broad demographic and professional representation. Of these, 539 questionnaires were correctly filled and returned, representing a high response rate of approximately 89.83%, which provided a sufficiently large sample for reliable analysis.
Data was collected using a structured questionnaire designed to elicit information on participants’ demographic characteristics and their perceptions of how digital fabrication technologies affect the precision of working drawings and specifications. The questionnaire was divided into three key sections: Section A (Demographic information of respondents); Section B (Perceptions on the impact of digital fabrication on the precision of working drawings); Section C (Perceptions on the effectiveness and integration of digital fabrication techniques in construction documentation and project implementation). All items in Sections B and C were measured using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree
Responses were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, including frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and Relative Index (RI). The Relative Index (RI) was computed using the formula:
Where: W = weighting given to each factor by respondents (1–5), A = highest weight (5), N = total number of respondents
RI values were used to rank the importance or level of agreement for each item across the two major perception tables. This allowed for the identification of key aspects of digital fabrication that influence the precision and quality of working drawings and specifications.
The questionnaire was subjected to expert review to ensure content validity. Academics and professionals with expertise in construction management, architectural design, and digital fabrication assessed the instrument for clarity, relevance, and comprehensiveness. Their feedback led to minor revisions in phrasing and structure. A pilot test was also conducted with 20 professionals whose responses were not included in the final analysis. This helped identify ambiguities and ensure the reliability of the Likert-scale items.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Table 1 presents the demographic profile of the 539 construction industry professionals who participated in the study. Understanding the background of respondents is crucial for contextualizing their responses, particularly in relation to their exposure to working drawings, digital tools, and professional practices in the Nigerian construction sector.
Table 1: Demography of Respondents
S/N | Age | Frequency | Percent (%) |
Age | |||
1 | Less than 20 years | 71 | 13.17 |
2 | 21 – 30 years | 137 | 25.42 |
3 | 31 – 40 years | 109 | 20.22 |
4 | 41 – 50 years | 160 | 29.68 |
5 | 51 years & above | 62 | 11.50 |
Gender | |||
1 | Female | 264 | 48.98 |
2 | Male | 275 | 51.02 |
Marital Status | |||
1 | Single | 158 | 29.31 |
2 | Married | 207 | 38.40 |
3 | Divorced | 79 | 14.66 |
4 | Widow/Widower | 95 | 17.63 |
5 | Others | 0 | 0.00 |
Educational Level | |||
1 | Below First Degree | 78 | 14.47 |
2 | First Degree (HND/BSc.) | 128 | 23.75 |
3 | Master’s Degree | 196 | 36.36 |
4 | Doctorate Degree | 65 | 12.06 |
5 | Others | 72 | 13.36 |
Type of Firm | |||
1 | Sole Proprietorship | 128 | 23.75 |
2 | Partnership | 149 | 27.64 |
3 | Limited Liability | 95 | 17.63 |
4 | Corporation | 87 | 16.14 |
5 | Public Liability Company | 80 | 14.84 |
Years of dealing with Working Drawings | |||
1 | 0 – 5 years | 106 | 19.67 |
2 | 6 -10 years | 104 | 19.29 |
3 | 11 -15 years | 149 | 27.64 |
4 | 16-20 years | 92 | 17.07 |
5 | Above 20 years | 88 | 16.33 |
Profession in the Construction Industry | |||
1 | Contractor | 77 | 14.29 |
2 | Architect | 173 | 32.10 |
3 | Engineer | 61 | 11.32 |
4 | Land Surveyor | 76 | 14.10 |
5 | Quantity Surveyor | 73 | 13.54 |
6 | Others | 79 | 14.66 |
Source: Authors (2025)
The largest group of respondents falls within the 41–50 years age bracket (29.68%), followed by those aged 21–30 years (25.42%) and 31–40 years (20.22%). These three groups together account for over 75% of the total sample, indicating that the majority of respondents are either mid-career or early-career professionals. This age spread suggests a blend of traditional and modern practice influences. The relatively high proportion of younger professionals (ages 21–30) implies growing interest and participation in the evolving discourse on digital precision and construction innovation. The gender distribution shows 51.02% male and 48.98% female respondents, indicating a near gender balance. The increasing presence of women in technical and managerial roles suggests broadening participation and inclusivity. Since both genders are almost equally represented, the data captures a well-rounded set of perspectives, making the analysis more reflective of the industry as a whole. A majority of respondents are married (38.40%), followed by single (29.31%), with the rest being divorced (14.66%) or widowed (17.63%). While marital status may not directly impact the technical perspectives on working drawings, it may indirectly reflect the level of professional stability or years of practice, as those who are married or older may have more project experience.
The respondents are fairly well-educated: 36.36% hold a Master’s degree, 23.75% hold a First Degree (BSc/HND) and 12.06% possess Doctorate Degrees. This indicates that over 70% of the sample has at least a first degree, while a notable proportion has postgraduate qualifications. Respondents come from a mix of firms: Partnerships (27.64%) and Sole Proprietorships (23.75%) are the most common, Followed by Limited Liability Companies (17.63%), Corporations (16.14%), and Public Liability Companies (14.84%). This diversity suggests that both small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale firms were represented in the study. It is significant because the capacity to adopt digital fabrication often varies with firm size and structure, larger firms may have better access to advanced technologies, while smaller firms may face cost or skill-related barriers.
The respondents’ experience in dealing with working drawings is well distributed: 27.64% have 11–15 years of experience, 19.67% have 0–5 years, 19.29% have 6–10 years, 16.33% have more than 20 years. The professional breakdown includes: Architects (32.10%), Contractors (14.29%), Quantity Surveyors (13.54%), Engineers (11.32%), Land Surveyors (14.10%) and Others (14.66%) (e.g., project managers, construction supervisors, and planners). The dominance of architects and other built environment professionals with direct responsibilities for generating or interpreting working drawings reinforces the relevance and credibility of the data.
Table 2: Perceived Effectiveness of Digital Fabrication Techniques in Enhancing Working Drawing and Construction Quality
S/N | Digital Fabrication Techniques | Level of Agreement using the Likert Scale | Total (Ef) | Efx | Mean Score (Efx/Ef) | Relative Index (RI) | Rank | ||||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||||||
1 | Digital fabrication techniques improve the precision of working drawings. | 63 | 81 | 143 | 144 | 108 | 539 | 1770 | 3.284 | 0.657 | 4 |
2 | The use of digital fabrication technologies is well demanded in working drawings. | 69 | 65 | 101 | 199 | 105 | 539 | 1823 | 3.382 | 0.676 | 7 |
3 | Digital fabrication methods enhance the implementation accuracy of working drawings. | 80 | 83 | 130 | 127 | 119 | 539 | 1739 | 3.226 | 0.645 | 6 |
4 | The integration of digital fabrication tools is straightforward in the design process. | 73 | 77 | 93 | 186 | 110 | 539 | 1800 | 3.340 | 0.668 | 6 |
5 | Digital fabrication contributes significantly to the quality of construction. | 68 | 77 | 109 | 120 | 165 | 539 | 1854 | 3.440 | 0.688 | 4 |
Source: Authors (2025)
Table 2 presents the responses of 539 construction professionals in Nigeria regarding their perceptions of how digital fabrication techniques influence the precision of working drawings and the quality of construction outputs. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with five key statements using a 5-point Likert scale. The data is analyzed using mean scores and Relative Index (RI) values to determine the perceived effectiveness and rank of each factor.
The findings from Table 2 strongly support the study’s central thesis that precision in working drawings and specifications, when facilitated by digital fabrication techniques, significantly enhances construction quality and accuracy in the Nigerian industry. The results indicate that a majority of professionals not only recognize the benefits of digital tools in improving drawing clarity and detail, but also acknowledge their broader impact on implementation efficiency and project outcomes. Importantly, while agreement was high on the value of digital fabrication, the relatively lower rankings for demand and integration ease reflect underlying systemic challenges: inadequate digital infrastructure, high software costs, limited training opportunities, and resistance to change in traditional practice environments. This highlights a key research gap identified in the literature: the need for practical strategies to overcome the barriers to adopting precision-driven technologies. Furthermore, the responses validate the Information Theory framework, showing that reducing “noise” in documentation through digital precision leads to clearer communication between designers and contractors. Similarly, the findings align with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains the importance of both perceived usefulness and ease of use in driving adoption of precision-enhancing technologies. Table 2 underscores that while digital fabrication is not yet universally adopted, it is widely valued and increasingly seen as a catalyst for higher precision and quality in construction. These insights are vital for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders aiming to improve the standards and outputs of the Nigerian construction sector through technology-enabled precision in design and documentation.
Table 3: Impact of Digital Fabrication on the Precision of Working Drawings
S/N | Precision of Working Drawings | Level of Agreement using the Likert Scale | Total (Ef) | Efx | Mean Score (Efx/Ef) | Relative Index (RI) | Rank | ||||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||||||
1 | Digital fabrication methods lead to more accurate working drawing drawings. | 84 | 71 | 88 | 195 | 101 | 539 | 1775 | 3.293 | 0.659 | 1 |
2 | There is a noticeable improvement in the detail of working drawings due digital fabrication. | 71 | 85 | 150 | 125 | 108 | 539 | 1731 | 3.212 | 0.642 | 2 |
3 | Working drawing generated with digital fabrication techniques are less prone to errors. | 72 | 79 | 103 | 188 | 97 | 539 | 1776 | 3.295 | 0.659 | 7 |
4 | The precision of working drawings has increased with digital fabrication technologies. | 74 | 69 | 89 | 132 | 175 | 539 | 1882 | 3.492 | 0.698 | 6 |
5 | Digital fabrication helps in achieving exact specifications as shown in working drawings. | 75 | 65 | 150 | 124 | 125 | 539 | 1776 | 3.295 | 0.033 | 6 |
Source: Authors (2025)
The data presented in Table 3 aligns strongly with the objectives and theoretical foundation of this study. It confirms that precision in working drawings, driven by digital fabrication, is widely recognized by Nigerian professionals as essential for construction success. The responses collectively highlight three key dimensions of digital precision:
- Accuracy Improvement: Digital tools reduce dimensional errors and misinterpretations, leading to clearer communication and better on-site implementation.
- Detail Enhancement: With digital drafting, intricate design information (like component alignments, joint details, and material notes) can be more precisely integrated, reducing guesswork during construction.
- Error Minimization and Specification Fidelity: While not perfect, digital drawings are significantly less prone to human error, and allow for greater alignment with specifications, especially when linked to parametric data.
Despite high mean scores and RI values, the varying ranks reveal some nuances in perception, professionals may trust digital outputs but still recognize real-world limitations in execution, training, or tool accessibility. These results suggest a positive perception trend, but also imply the need for capacity building and policy support to fully realize the benefits of digital precision in Nigerian construction. Thus, the table provides robust empirical evidence in support of the research hypothesis: that digital fabrication positively impacts the precision, quality, and implementation accuracy of construction documentation in Nigeria.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This study has emphasized the importance of precision in working drawings and specifications as a key factor influencing project success in the Nigerian construction industry. Drawing on responses from professionals across various fields, the findings clearly indicate that accurate and detailed documentation improves communication, reduces on-site improvisation, minimizes construction errors, and enhances overall project delivery. Digital fabrication technologies such as CAD, BIM, and parametric modelling were identified as effective tools for improving the clarity and quality of construction documents. These technologies facilitate better alignment between design intent and actual execution, particularly in complex projects requiring interdisciplinary coordination. However, the study also found that despite an increasing awareness of the value of precision and digital tools, adoption across the Nigerian construction sector remains inconsistent. Several barriers continue to limit full integration, including the high cost of digital software, lack of adequate training, institutional inertia, and a general reluctance to depart from traditional manual practices. The theoretical frameworks adopted Information Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model helped explain these dynamics, showing how both communication clarity and user attitudes significantly influence outcomes. In conclusion, precision in construction documentation is not only a technical requirement but a strategic necessity for driving efficiency, reducing waste, and improving quality across all phases of a construction project.
To achieve greater precision in construction documentation, the following actionable steps are recommended:
- Firstly, professional development must be prioritized through regular workshops, certifications, and hands-on training focused on digital fabrication tools like BIM and CAD. Industry associations, academic institutions, and private firms should collaborate to ensure that professionals are equipped with current skills and knowledge that meet global best practices.
- Secondly, regulatory bodies such as ARCON, COREN, and NIQS should enforce stricter documentation standards for all building approvals. These standards should include mandatory use of digital formats, standardized detailing practices, and integrated specifications that enhance project coordination and reduce on-site confusion.
- Thirdly, construction firms should begin to view investment in digital infrastructure not as a luxury but as a strategic tool for long-term savings and improved outcomes. Governments and professional organizations can support this through software subsidies, tax incentives, or shared access platforms for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
- Fourthly, architectural and engineering programs in Nigerian universities should revise their curricula to include mandatory training in precision-based documentation. Students should graduate with working knowledge of relevant software and an understanding of how accurate drawings contribute to project success.
- Finally, cross-sector collaboration is essential. Academic institutions, software developers, regulatory agencies, and private firms must form alliances to localize and implement digital fabrication systems suited to Nigeria’s unique construction environment. Such collaborations can support research, pilot projects, and knowledge-sharing that drive innovation across the industry.
In addressing these areas, the Nigerian construction sector can begin to close the gap between intention and implementation, ensuring that precision in working drawings and specifications leads to higher-quality, more sustainable, and more efficient construction outcomes.
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