INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES IN THE UTILIZATION OF LOCAL MATERIALS FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Purpose: This study examined the innovative strategies required to enhance the utilization of local materials for sustainable building construction in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The purpose is to identify specific technological strategies that can effectively address the sector’s heavy dependence on imported materials and the limited adoption of construction-related innovations in the region.

Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research design was adopted to achieve the study objectives. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 195 purposively selected active construction professionals, including registered Architects, registered Civil Engineers, registered Project Managers, registered Builders, registered Estate Surveyors, and registered Quantity Surveyors within Akure, Ondo State. The sample size was determined based on the availability and accessibility of registered practicing professionals within the study area. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statics and mean score ranking to identify and evaluate the most critical strategies for promoting innovation of local materials for sustainable building construction.

Findings: The findings revealed that the most critical strategies for improving local material utilization include investing in research and development (Mean=4.811), encouraging start-ups (Mean=4.78), and training and skill development programs (Mean=4.77). Other key drivers identified include introducing modern machinery and technology (Mean=4.76), and standardizing local materials (Mean=4.76). While these strategies align with existing literature, the study highlights their contextual relevance to Akure’s construction environment, where material innovation remains limited.

Research limitations/implications: The study is restricted by its focus on a single city, reliance on self-reported perceptions, and the absence of qualitative insights that could provide deeper explanatory understanding.

Originality/value: This study contributes to the ongoing discourse of how innovative strategies can drive the sustainable utilization of local materials in construction projects in Akure, Ondo State by offering evidence-based prioritization of innovation-oriented strategies tailored to a rapidly urbanizing Nigerian city.