LEVERAGING BIM AND DIGITAL COLLABORATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Purpose: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital collaboration technologies are transforming the global construction industry, yet adoption in Nigeria remains underdeveloped. The Nigerian construction sector faces a dual challenge, a significant lag in the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and an urgent need for more sustainable construction practices. While BIM has proven to be a vital tool for improving collaboration, efficiency, and sustainability in construction globally, Nigeria's adoption of this technology remains slow.

Design/methodology/approach: The primary aim of this study is to explore the role of BIM and digital collaboration technologies in fostering sustainable construction within the Nigerian construction and design industry. This study employs a systematic review approach, structured using PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Key search terms included combinations of "Building Information Modelling (BIM)," "Digital Collaboration," "Sustainable Construction," "Nigerian Construction Industry," "AEC Industry," and "Barriers to BIM Adoption." The review follows a structured process that involves identifying relevant studies, evaluating their quality, and synthesising their findings to provide insights into the current state of BIM adoption, the barriers and facilitators to implementation, and the potential of BIM in fostering sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.

Findings: The findings reveal that while BIM awareness is increasing, its practical implementation remains limited. Bridging this gap will require targeted training, enhanced collaboration, and stronger regulatory frameworks. The review also identifies future research directions, particularly in comparative African contexts and longitudinal adoption studies.

Practical implications: The Nigerian government should take a leading role in promoting BIM adoption by developing national policies and guidelines that mandate or incentivise the use of BIM in public sector projects. Such policies have been successful in other countries, and similar initiatives could drive greater adoption within Nigeria. In addition, regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) should provide clear guidelines for BIM implementation, ensuring that all professionals are aligned with industry standards.

Originality/value: This systematic review uniquely synthesises evidence on BIM adoption in Nigeria, highlighting barriers such as inadequate policies, a shortage of skilled professionals, and reluctance to transition from traditional methods. Unlike previous reviews, this study explicitly frames BIM adoption through sustainability and digital maturity models, contributing to both academic literature and practice.