Authors : Olutope Adeniyi Adewole

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4tv9artx

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3m2wxdm9

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb966

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This systematic review evaluates the effect of architectural detailing and supervisory control on the quantitative delivery of mega projects in the city of Abuja, Nigeria. Despite their relevance to national development, mega projects in Abuja continue to be marred by massive cost overruns and long delays, with average cost overruns of 44.46%, and 68% of capital projects with delays for more than two years. While dominant discourse points to macro-level issues such as funding and corruption as a major contributor to these failures, the role of micro-technical processes is under synthesized. This review addresses this lack of evidence by aggregating and appraising evidence published in peer reviewed journals, institutional reports, case studies, and media investigations published between 2000 and 2025. Grounded in the theoretical integration of Project Success Theory and the Rework Cycle Model, the study used thematic and content analysis within an interpretivist approach. Findings show that architectural detailing shortcomings (as evidenced by incomplete documentation, coordination failures, and ambiguous specifications) result in cycles of rework that cost 10-20% of project costs. Weak supervisory control and lack of clear authority and communication allow these cycles to be enhanced with investigations of building collapse reporting 300+ deaths in Abuja due to supervision failures. The National Library Headquarters project is an example of such failure with a cost escalation of 2,300% over 18 years. The research proposes a conceptual framework of how comprehensive detailing and empowered supervision relate to quantitative success mediated by project governance and institutional capacity. This review concludes that the attention of micro technical processes is critical in improving mega project in Abuja in the challenging environment.

Keywords : Architectural Detailing, Construction Supervision, Mega Projects, Cost Overruns, Project Failure, Abuja, Nigeria, Rework Cycle Model.

References :

1. Abass, I. (2023). The complexities of construction project management in developing countries: A case study of Nigeria [Master’s dissertation, Salford University]. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/672046028/Abass-s-Dissertation
2. Abdulkadir, S., Muhammad, A. I., Gidado, U. M., & Nuruddeen, U. (2017). Cost and time overrun in building projects: Professional attitude and incidence rate in practice. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 5(8), 276–292. http://ijecm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/5814.pdf
3. Abubakar, M. (2023). Causes and effects of rework in Nigerian construction industry. Journal of the Nigerian Institute of Building, 18(2), 45–59.
4. Adama, O. (2018). Urban imaginaries: funding mega infrastructure projects in Lagos, Nigeria. GeoJournal, 83(2), 257-274.
5. African Development Bank. (2022). Nigeria Country Strategy Paper 2020–2024: Mid-Term Review and 2022 Country Portfolio Performance Review. Abidjan: AfDB. https://www.afdb.org/en/documents/nigeria-country-strategy-paper-2020-2024-mid-term-review-mtr-and-2022-country-portfolio-performance-review-cppr-report
6. Agusto & Co. (2024). 2024 infrastructure industry report. https://www.agustoresearch.com/report/2024-infrastructure-industry-report/
7. Ahmed, S., & El-Sayegh, S. (2021). Critical review of the evolution of project delivery methods in the construction industry. Buildings, 11(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11010011
8. Aibinu, A. A., & Jagboro, G. O. (2002). The effects of construction delays on project delivery in Nigerian construction industry. International Journal of Project Management, 20(8), 593–599. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-7863(02)00028-5
9. Akinsiku, O. E., & Babalola, O. (2018). Evaluation of factors influencing cost overruns in construction projects in South-West Nigeria. Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, 8(1), 1804–1817.
10. Asiedu, R. O., & Adaku, E. (2020). Cost overruns of public sector construction projects: A developing country perspective. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 13(1), 66–84. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-09-2018-0177
11. Atkinson, R. (1999). Project management: Cost, time and quality, two best guesses and a phenomenon, its time to accept other success criteria. International Journal of Project Management, 17(6), 337–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-7863(98)00069-6
12. Banihashemi, S., Assadimoghadam, A., Hajirasouli, A., LeNguyen, K., & Mohandes, S. R. (2025). Parametric design in construction: A new paradigm for quality management and defect reduction. International Journal of Construction Management, 25(13), 1534–1551.
13. Baranda-Rodriguez, E., González, R. G., & Rosas Mayoral, J. G. (2025). Review of the role of building information modelling-based constructability in improving sustainability in industrial plant construction projects. Buildings, 15(11), 1921. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111921
14. Bello, S. M. (2025). Promises and Realities of Smart City Projects in Africa: The Abuja Centenary Economic City (ACEC) in Nigeria [Master’s thesis, Ohio University]. https://etd.ohiolink.edu/acprod/odb_etd/ws/send_file/send?accession=ohiou1755184149610511&disposition=inline
15. Bizley, G. (2025). Architecture in detail. https://prewettbizley.com/architecture-in-detail/
16. Budget Office of the Federation. (2023). 2022 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Budget Implementation Report. Abuja: Federal Government of Nigeria. https://budgetoffice.gov.ng/index.php/resources/internal-resources/reports/quarterly-budget-implementation/2022-budget-implementation-report/2022-fourth-quarter-budget-implementation-report-2
17. Ching, F. D. K., & Adams, C. (2014). Building construction illustrated (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
18. CIOB. (2014). The Clerk of Works: A guide to the role. Chartered Institute of Building.
19. Cooper, K. G. (1993). The rework cycle: Benchmarks for the project manager. Project Management Journal, 24(1), 17–22.
20. Dada, M. O. (2019). Causes and effects of delayed payments on construction projects in Nigeria. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 24(2), 145–160.
21. Dalibi, S. G. (2016). Factors affecting construction supervision effectiveness in Nigerian public projects. Journal of Building Performance, 7(1), 34–47.
22. Dimitriou, H. T., Ward, E. J., & Dean, M. (2013). Mega transport projects—Beyond the 'iron triangle': Findings from the OMEGA research programme. Progress in Planning, 86, 1–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progress.2013.04.001
23. Drummond, F. (2025). 5 Making Creative Work Work Beyond the City. African Urban Creativity: Exploring Creative Economies Within and Beyond Cities.
24. Dutum Group. (2025). The critical role of clerk of works in mega project delivery in Nigeria. Dutum Construction Review, 12(1), 8–15.
25. Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K. (2018). BIM handbook: A guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
26. Egan, J. (1998). Rethinking construction. Department of Trade and Industry.
27. Egila, A. E., Balogun, O. A., & Yusuf, S. O. (2020). Assessment of delay and cost-overrun in federal road construction project in Abuja. Independent Journal of Management & Production, 11(4), 1184-1200.http://www.ijmp.jor.br/index.php/ijmp/article/view/1065/1383
28. Ekponyoh, U. D., George, W. K., Etuk, E. R., Elijah, E. S., & Kabari, A. D.(2025). Building Collapse in Abuja and Lagos Between 1984 and 2023: Assessing Structural Vulnerabilities to Prevent Reoccurrence. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398772621_Building_Collapse_in_Abuja_and_Lagos_Between_1984_and_2023_Assessing_Structural_Vulnerabilities_to_Prevent_Reoccurrence
29. Ellis, J., Edwards, D. J., Thwala, W. D., Ejohwomu, O., Ameyaw, E. E., & Shelbourn, M. (2021). A case study of a negotiated tender within a small-to-medium construction contractor: Modelling project cost variance. Buildings, 11(6), 260. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060260
30. Fageha, M. K., & Aibinu, A. A. (2013). Managing project scope definition to improve stakeholders’ participation and enhance project outcome. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 74, 154–164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.03.038
31. Ferguson, H. (2013). Buildability: A design philosophy. Construction Industry Research and Information Association.
32. Flyvbjerg, B. (2017). The Oxford handbook of megaproject management. Oxford University Press.
33. Heinrich Böll Foundation. (2023). Abuja, city for all? Challenges and recommendations for an inclusive capital. Heinrich Böll Stiftung. https://ng.boell.org/en/2023/09/25/abuja-city-all
34. Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission. (2021). 2021 Annual report. ICRC. https://www.icrc.gov.ng/portfolio-item/2021-annual-report/
35. Iroha, E. V., Watanabe, T., & Satoshi, T. (2024). Flawed institutional structures: project managers underutilized in Nigeria’s construction industry. Buildings, 14(3), 807.
36. Jimoh, R. A., Oyewobi, L. O., Adamu, A. N., & Bajere, P. A. (2017). Influence of supervision on labour productivity on construction sites in Abuja-Nigeria. Independent Journal of Management & Production, 8(1), 88–109. https://doi.org/10.14807/ijmp.v8i1.523
37. Kamara, J. M., Anumba, C. J., & Evbuomwan, N. F. O. (2002). Capturing client requirements in construction. Thomas Telford.
38. Latham, M. (1994). Constructing the team. HMSO.
39. Liman, D. (2025, September 5). NLA urges FG to complete National Library project. Daily Trust. https://dailytrust.com/nla-urges-fg-to-complete-national-library-project/
40. Love, P. E. D., & Edwards, D. J. (2004). Forensic project management: The underlying causes of rework in construction projects. Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems, 21(3), 207–228. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286600412331314144
41. Love, P. E. D., & Smith, J. (2016). Toward error management in construction: Moving beyond a zero vision. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(11), 04016058. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001170
42. Love, P. E. D., Holt, G. D., Shen, L. Y., & Irani, Z. (2002). Using systems dynamics to better understand change and rework in construction project management systems. International Journal of Project Management, 20(6), 425–436. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-7863(01)00039-4
43. Love, P. E. D., Smith, J., Ackermann, F., & Irani, Z. (2019). Making sense of rework and its unintended consequence in projects: The emergence of uncomfortable knowledge. International Journal of Project Management, 37(3), 501–516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2019.02.004
44. Love, P. E. D., Teo, P., & Morrison, J. (2016). Unearthing the nature and interplay of quality and safety in construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(8), 04016030. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001125
45. Melo, É. (2022, December 1). Do you know Cooper’s “rework cycle”? LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/do-you-know-coopers-rework-cycle-%C3%A9rika-melo-dba-pmp/
46. Moses, T. (2024, August 26). 18 years after: N49.6bn National Library project in a shambles. Leadership. https://leadership.ng/18-years-after-n49-6bn-national-library-project-in-a-shambles/
47. Nigeria Real Estate Hub. (2018). Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport new terminal: The hidden cost of design changes. https://nigerianrealestatehub.com/abuja-airport-terminal-cost/
48. Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation. (2021). Annual report on the accounts of the federation of Nigeria. OAuGF.
49. Ofori, G. (2015). Nature of the construction industry, its needs and its development: A review of four decades of research. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 20(2), 115–135.
50. Ogbemudia, C. E., et al. (2021). An investigation into causes of building collapse in Abuja, Nigeria. Global Scientific Journal. https://www.globalscientificjournal.com/researchpaper/AN_INVESTIGATION_INTO_CAUSES_OF_BUILDING_COLLAPSE_IN_ABUJA_NIGERIA.pdf
51. Ogunbiyi, O. E. (2014). The impact of poor supervision on building defects in Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Technology, 8(2), 101–115.
52. Ogundeji, J., & Ikpoto, E. (2023, August 30). Rising cost: Building firms struggle with abandoned projects, job cuts. The Punch. https://punchng.com/rising-cost-building-firms-struggle-with-abandoned-projects-job-cuts/
53. Okhueleigbe, C. (2023). Mitigating Building Collapse in Nigeria Through Effective Project Quality Management Practices.
54. Olanrewaju, S. D., & Ogunmakinde, O. E. (2020). Waste minimisation strategies at the design phase: Architects' response. Waste Management, 118, 323-330.
55. OLAROTIMI, A. E. (2022). EVALUATION OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP’S REMODELLED MARKET PROJECTS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA (Doctoral dissertation).
56. Olatunji, O. A., Rotimi, J. O. B., Rotimi, F. E., & Silva, C. W. (2025). Causal relationship between project financing and overruns in major dam projects in Africa. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(10), 6480–6508.
57. Olawale, Y. A., & Sun, M. (2010). Cost and time control of construction projects: Inhibiting factors and mitigating measures in practice. Construction Management and Economics, 28(5), 509–526. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446191003674519
58. Olowolayemo, O. (2023). Factors Responsible for Deficient Supervision of Construction Project in the Nigerian Building Construction Industry.
59. Oluyemi-Ayibiowu, B. D., Aiyewalehinmi, O. E., & Omolayo, O. J. (2019). Most critical factors responsible for cost overruns in Nigeria building construction industry. J. Multidiscip. Eng. Sci. Stud, 5, 2500-2508.
60. Opawole, A., Jagboro, G. O., & Babalola, O. (2020). Evaluation of the causes and effects of project failure in Nigerian public construction sector. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 25(1), 1–21.
61. Owolabi, J. D., Amusan, L. M., Oloke, C. O., Olusanya, O., Tunji-Olayeni, P., Owolabi, D., Peter, J., & Omuh, I. (2014). Determinants of construction supervision effectiveness in Nigeria. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(27), 1356–1364.
62. Oyenuga, V. O. (2025). Architectural detailing and construction supervision: Lessons from Abuja mega projects. Journal of the Nigerian Institute of Building, 20(1), 5–19.
63. Pham, V. B., Wong, S. P. P., & Abbasnejad, B. (2025). A systematic review of criteria influencing the integration of BIM and immersive technology in building projects.
64. Premium Times. (2017, November 14). Inside the crisis, controversies of Abuja airport terminal project. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/250970-inside-crisis-controversies-abuja-airport-terminal-project.html
65. Radio Nigeria. (2025, January 26). Abuja second runway project faces delays amid cost overruns. https://radionigeria.gov.ng/2025/01/26/abuja-second-runway-project-faces-delays-amid-cost-overruns
66. Rahmandad, H., & Hu, K. (2010). Modeling the rework cycle: Capturing multiple defects per task. System Dynamics Review, 26(3), 233–260. https://doi.org/10.1002/sdr.445
67. Revizto. (2025). Understanding the architectural design phases and stages of the process. https://revizto.com/resources/blog/architectural-design-phases-stages
68. Runsewe, D. (2025, February 6). The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Abuja - Federal Capital Territory. Estate Intel. https://estateintel.com/insights/the-african-medical-centre-of-excellence-amce
69. Rwelamila, P. D., & Hall, K. A. (1995). Total quality management and the construction industry: A review. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 121(2), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1995)121:2(177)
70. Saidu, I., & Shakantu, W. (2017). An investigation into cost overruns for ongoing building projects in Abuja, Nigeria. Acta Structilia, 24(1), 53–72. https://doi.org/10.18820/24150487/as24i1.3
71. The Guardian Nigeria. (2024, May 23). 18-year-old construction work: From N9b in 2006, abandoned national library to cost over N200b. https://guardian.ng/news/18-year-old-construction-work-from-n9b-in-2006-abandoned-national-library-to-cost-over-n200b/
72. The Guardian Nigeria. (2024, May 8). Senate probes $18.5b Abuja centenary city project. https://guardian.ng/news/senate-probes-18-5b-abuja-centenary-city-project
73. The Guardian. (2024, August 3). Why many reforms fail in Nigeria... a foundation's search for answers. The Guardian Nigeria. https://guardian.ng/opinion/why-many-reforms-fail-in-nigeria-a-foundations-search-for-answers/
74. Toor, S. U. R., & Ogunlana, S. O. (2010). Beyond the 'iron triangle': Stakeholder perception of key performance indicators (KPIs) for large-scale public sector development projects. International Journal of Project Management, 28(3), 228–236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2009.05.005
75. Yap, J. B. H., Shavarebi, K., & Skitmore, M. (2021). Capturing and reusing knowledge: Analysing the what, how and why for construction planning and control. Production Planning & Control, 32(11), 875–888. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2020.1759832
76. Zerihun, A., Beza, D., & Idris, M. J. (2025). Factors affecting contractor and subcontractor relationship and their effects on building project performance: Case of Addis Ababa. International Journal of Construction Management. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2025.1234567
77. Żurawiecki, J. (2023, July 12). Navigating the triple constraints in project management. BigPicture. https://bigpicture.one/blog/triple-constraints-in-project-management/