Equipment acquisition and maintenance capability of construction firms in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Research into construction equipment tends to focus on output and criteria for selection. However, investigations that examine the capability of construction firms to acquire and maintain equipment are limited. This study examines the capability of construction firms to acquire and maintain equipment in Abuja, Nigeria. A survey approach was adopted, and data was obtained through self-administered questionnaires to 45 construction practitioners from 45 construction firms purposively sampled in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria. The study used descriptive statistics to analyze the capabilities of firms, and the results showed that the method of acquisition ranked as the highest factor, with a mean score of 4.70, which affects the equipment management capability of firms. The results also showed that 65% of firms cannot outright purchase construction equipment, 56% rely largely on renting, and 62% often adopt an outsourced maintenance approach rather than in-house maintenance. This explains why many construction projects do not always benefit fully from the potential or output of construction equipment. The study argues that construction projects can benefit maximally from the potential of construction equipment when construction firms leverage their capabilities and project resources prudently. The study contributes to knowledge by shifting the debate in the literature on equipment and focusing on capabilities. The study has implications for construction firms that seek to develop capabilities that can promote their business interest and competitive advantage.