Professionals’ Preference for Migrant Craftsmen in Lagos State

Abstract

It is difficult to fathom the words 'skilled labour shortage' in a country of over 160 million, but the challenge of shortage of trained skilled construction labour is glaring in the industry. The purpose of the study was to examine Professionals’ preference for Migrant Craftsmen in Lagos State. A survey research design through the administration of questionnaires was used for the study. A convenience sampling method was used for the study in a vibrant sample area Lekki, Lagos where there are high volumes of building construction activities. From the forty-five (45) construction sites visited in Lekki, Lagos only thirty (30) construction sites were responsive to the study representing a 67% response rate. The data were compiled and calculations performed using SPSS 21.0. The result showed that migrant craftsmen from major four (4) countries in West Africa namely Benin, Ghana, Niger and Togo, are preferred by construction professionals for crafts work on building construction sites. The factor influencing the choice of Migrant craftsmen is due to the shortage of skilled local Craftsmen in the construction industry. The major factors militating against the use of local craftsmen are that they cut corners in carrying out their craft, they rush their work and they are not keen on improving their trainings. The preference for Migrant craftsmen would result in an adequate supply of craftsmen in the industry and consequently unemployment for local craftsmen. It was recommended that local content Act should be enacted and enforced for construction companies in the Nigerian construction industry to ensure an adequate quota for local professionals and craftsmen on construction sites. Nigerian institutions aimed at providing trade skill improvement programs for local craftsmen should be revamped in order to obtain skills to evolve and survive in the competitive construction industry.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p501