Influence Of Consultants’ Characteristics On Procurement Performance In Public Construction Projects In Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Consultants are pivotal to public construction procurement, serving as professional intermediaries who convert policy objectives into technical and contractual outcomes. Despite this strategic role, consultant-related shortcomings continue to weaken procurement effectiveness in Nigeria, particularly in federally administered projects in Abuja. This study investigates the key characteristics required for effective consultant participation in public construction procurement in Abuja, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach using a convergent parallel design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 391 public construction stakeholders, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews conducted 8 public construction stakeholder. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis test, complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative data. Results show that technical expertise ranked highest among consultant characteristics (Mean = 4.62), followed by resourcefulness (Mean = 4.54), project management skills (Mean = 4.53), and communication attributes such as active listening and self-confidence (Mean = 4.49 each). Ethical integrity (Mean = 4.30), risk management capability (Mean = 4.29), and commitment to quality and timeliness (Mean = 4.28) were also strongly emphasised. Significant differences existed across stakeholder groups in attribute prioritisation (Kruskal–Wallis H = 10.822, df = 4, p = .029). Qualitative findings identified professional licensure, regulatory compliance and ethical conduct as baseline requirements, while digital proficiency and contextual awareness emerged as underdeveloped competencies. The study concludes that consultant performance is multidimensional and recommends a standardised, context-sensitive evaluation framework to enhance accountability, value for money and public project outcomes.