Assessment of Compliance with Pre-Construction Documentation in Lagos State
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose – Submission of pre-construction documentation is central to building control and a prerequisite for regulatory approval, yet compliance level varies widely across the industry. In Lagos State, inconsistent submission patterns raise concerns about procedural adherence and regulatory effectiveness. This study evaluates construction professionals’ perceptions of compliance with required documentation and variations by professional role, years of experience, and educational qualification. It is framed by regulatory enforcement theory and professional practice perspectives, which emphasise that compliance is shaped by institutional oversight and role-based exposure.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative design was adopted. From 309 questionnaires distributed among registered professionals in construction firms operating within Lagos State, 288 valid responses were analysed. Descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis test were applied. Documents were grouped into legal, technical, and regulatory categories to assess compliance levels.
Findings – Compliance level varied across categories. Technical documents such as architectural drawings and structural designs were more consistently submitted than legal (e.g., land title) and regulatory documents (e.g., Environmental Impact Assessment). Compliance also differed significantly by profession and years of experience but not by educational qualification.
Conclusion/Theoretical/Social/Practical implications – The results support regulatory enforcement and professional practice theories, showing that compliance is shaped more by institutional processes and practical experience than academic training. Practical implications include digital submission platforms, standardised checklists, stronger enforcement, and compliance-focused professional training.
Originality/value – This study empirically assesses pre-construction documentation compliance in Lagos State within broader compliance theories and provides evidence-based insights to strengthen Nigeria’s regulatory framework and reduce risks of building collapse.
