Journal of Building Performance ISSN: 2180-2106 Volume 8 Issue 1 2017 http://spaj.ukm.my/jsb/index.php/jbp/index Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia The Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia Page 1 CHALLENGES CONFRONTING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: PROFESSIONALS PERSPECTIVES (A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA) A.O. Ogunde * , O. Olaolu, A. Afolabi, J. Owolabi, R. Ojelabi Department of Building Technology, Covenant University, NIGERIA. *Corresponding author: ayodeji.ogunde@covenantuniversity.edu.ng Abstract The success of the Nigerian construction industry can be aligned with the use of construction project management systems, although, the industry has been maligned by issues such as building collapse, incessant delays, abandonment and cost overrun. It is therefore imperative to examine the challenges confronting construction project management system in Nigeria. In this study the descriptive survey method was adopted and data were obtained by means of inquiries using questionnaires. A sample size of fifty nine (59) construction professionals was used for the study. The study reveals that location of a project majorly influences Project Manager’s decision making on project planning. It asserted the crucial importance of Management skills required in practicing construction project management. In conclusion, the result identified that passive participation from Project Manager, lack of client involvement in making decisions, provision of substandard materials, design error, lack of effective communication and poor treatment of workforce are challenges hampering the use of construction project management. The study recommends the institutionalization of construction project management practice, compulsion of adequate training and skill modification programs for construction professionals to aid the sustainability of construction project management systems in Nigeria. Keywords: challenges, confronting, construction, project management, Nigeria. Article history: Submitted: 20/07/2016; Revised: 19/12/2016; Accepted: 22/12/2016; Online: 02/02/2017 INTRODUCTION Building is the product of humanity that has been in existence from creation. It evolved through centuries, from dwelling in caves to skyscrapers and recently to intelligent structures that can smartly respond to stimuli in its environment (e.g. automated doors, escalators). The building process may also be grouped into three major phases: the conception/design phase, construction phase and operation or use phase (Horsely et al., 2003). Construction practice has also undergone a great deal of development in response to the dynamic nature of human needs and infra-structure (Anumba et al., 2008). The introduction of information communication technology, manufacturing concepts, green economy etc. is issues that the construction practice have implemented to better its process. According to Irefin (2013), managing projects is one of the oldest and most respected accomplishments of mankind with inputs from builders, architects, masons and craftsmen. This is evidenced by achievements in the construction of the pyramids, ancient cities, the Great Wall of China and other wonders of the World. As construction practise is in high demand, there is also a higher need for adequate successful planning and controlling of resources during the process of construction. The construction practise entails the entire system that defines procedure and standards for all phases of the building process; dictating responsibilities and interaction among the building industry professionals, who are in charge of making decisions and may also be involved in construction practice as Project Managers (PM). According to Isa, Jimoh and Achuenu (2013), the construction industry in both developed and developing countries is the sector of the economy that transforms various resources into constructed facilities. Adeyemi et al. (2006); Mosaku et al. (2006); National Bureau of Statistics (2013) stated that the building and construction sector is an important contributor to Nigeria’s GDP. Over the past few years, the real GDP of the building and construction sector was averaged over 3%. The Nigerian building and construction sector is significantly growing. The Nigerian Construction Sector Summary Report 2010 – 2012 attributed the continuous growth to the dynamisms of development. Also, the need to accommodate social and demographic changes such as migration and urbanization, a rising middle class with their demands for better living conditions (better houses, road networks) and societal needs for social infrastructure that happens over time.