Exploring strategies for strengthening stakeholder communication to advance sustainable construction practices in the Nigerian built environment

The construction sector is central to Nigeria's economic growth, contributing to gross domestic product, employment and infrastructure (Oladinrin et al., 2012; Ibim and Dimkpa, 2025). However, it is resource and energy-intensive, generating significant environmental impacts, including pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (Ahmed et al., 2020; Mostafaei et al., 2024). This highlighted the need for sustainable construction, which balances environmental protection, social inclusion and economic viability. Isang (2023) and Olatunde et al. (2025a, b) viewed it as a built-environment application of sustainable development that ensures improved quality of life, growth and environmental protection for present and future generations. Achieving sustainability, however, extends beyond technical solutions; it requires multi-stakeholder collaboration (Akinshipe et al., 2019; Senaratne et al., 2021). Projects involve government agencies, contractors, professionals such as architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors, as well as communities and financiers (Lawal et al., 2024; Isang et al., 2025). Effective delivery depends on strong communication and engagement (Ssenyange et al., 2017; Igbokwe et al., 2025a, b). As Leo-Olagbaye et al. (2023) stressed, understanding stakeholder roles is key to sustainable housing outcomes.

Despite growing awareness of sustainability's importance, Nigeria's construction industry still battles low adoption rates of sustainable practices (Otali and Oladokun, 2018; Oyewobi and Jimoh, 2022; Ebekozien et al., 2023). Ahmed et al. (2023), Babalola and Harinarain (2024) stated that this disjunction is often traced to systemic and organisational barriers, such as financial constraints, gaps in policy and regulatory enforcement, limited technical capacity and insufficient stakeholder awareness and engagement. Research found that effective communication is thus not only desirable but also essential to surmounting these obstacles and aligning stakeholders towards sustainability goals (Bubshait et al., 2015; Tor and Gambo, 2024). One major area where communication falters in Nigerian construction projects involves organisational and managerial deficiencies, as stated by Leo-Olagbaye et al. (2023),

A study by Ejohwomu et al. (2017) identified unclear project objectives, ineffective reporting systems and poor leadership as among the most significant barriers to effective communication in the industry. Gamil et al. (2019) explained that these deficiencies routinely inhibit transparency and mutual understanding, eroding trust among parties and leading to delays, conflicts or outright project failures. More recently, Unegbu et al. (2025) examined the barriers to sustainable construction practices in Nigeria using a mixed-methods design. Key findings from Unegbu et al. (2025) highlighted the interplay of weak regulatory enforcement, lack of access to sustainable technologies, financial limitations and stakeholder engagement gaps as pivotal constraints. Similarly, Hiruy (2024) confirmed that stakeholder practices, not merely policy or finance, remain central to the adoption of sustainable construction, suggesting that communication and collaboration are vital levers in transitioning towards sustainability. In addition to barriers, a study by Moyanga (2022) has illuminated the positive influence of effective communication and stakeholder collaboration. Igbokwe et al. (2025a, b) investigated the Southeast Nigerian context and underscored that failures in collaboration and communication among stakeholders directly impair constructability and project delivery.

In Lagos, studies by Unegbu et al. (2024) have shown that projects with high stakeholder engagement achieve better environmental and community outcomes, particularly when strong leadership and consistent communication prevail. The literature suggested that strategic stakeholder engagement and communication can play a transformative role in achieving sustainable construction outcomes. Studies by Agbi et al. (2023) mentioned that this engagement fosters trust, collaborative problem-solving and shared ownership of projects, which are critical qualities when transitioning across complex socio-technical and cultural landscapes.

Moreover, specific professional roles underscore the need for improved communication. For example, quantity surveyors in Nigeria are uniquely positioned to “drive awareness,” provide life cycle costing insight, conduct feasibility assessments, contribute to material selection and advocate for policy development, yet their potential is often underleveraged (Olaniyan and Olaniyan, 2025; Olatunde et al., 2025a, b; Isan and Ebiloma, 2024). Olatinwo et al. (2025) revealed an opportunity: enhancing communication via professional channels may yield more sustainable project outcomes.

Evidence from international construction contexts further reinforces the importance of stakeholder communication in sustainable construction. For example, studies in the United Kingdom and other developed construction environments have shown that structured communication mechanisms improve coordination among project participants and enhance sustainability performance (Bal et al., 2013; Gorse and Emmitt, 2003). Similarly, research across different construction contexts demonstrates that transparent stakeholder engagement and collaborative decision-making significantly improve the implementation of sustainable building practices (Bal et al., 2013; Moyanga and Adeoye, 2021). These international findings provide a comparative context for understanding the communication challenges observed in the Nigerian construction industry.

Nigeria's urbanising centres, especially Lagos and Abuja, are centres of heavy construction activity and sustainability demand alike (Obia, 2016). In these cities, multiple stakeholders, government agencies, developers, consultants, contractors, quantity surveyors, local communities and regulators (e.g. NESREA) must routinely interact (Leo-Olagbaye et al., 2023). The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), established in 2007, mandates environmental compliance and can be a platform for enhanced communication between the state and other actors (Agbazue et al., 2017). Despite the increasing attention given to sustainable construction globally, limited empirical studies have examined how stakeholder communication influences the implementation of sustainability practices in developing construction environments such as Nigeria. Existing studies have largely focused on technical or regulatory barriers, while the communicative interactions among project stakeholders remain underexplored. This study, therefore, contributes to the literature by providing empirical insights into stakeholder communication dynamics in sustainable construction through qualitative evidence gathered from key industry stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos.

In light of this background, this study aims to explore and enhance communication strategies among stakeholders in driving sustainable construction in Nigeria. Specifically, it seeks to.

1. To examine the relevance of effective communication among stakeholders in the built environment;

2. To investigate the barriers to effective communication among stakeholders in the Nigerian built environment and

3. To propose strategies for promoting effective communication among stakeholders in the Nigerian built environment.

This research will provide empirically grounded insights into communication strategies that can catalyse sustainable construction in Nigeria. By highlighting transparency, frequency and participatory approaches as key factors, this study offers practical guidance to policymakers, project managers, professional bodies and local communities. Ultimately, strengthening stakeholder communication promises to enhance project efficiency, sustainability outcomes and legitimacy in the eyes of multiple constituencies.

The following sections build on this introduction: literature review will illuminate theoretical foundations and empirical findings on stakeholder communication and sustainability; methodology will detail the philosophical position, research design and data collection in Abuja and Lagos; results and discussion will unpack emergent themes; implications will translate findings into actionable recommendations; limitations and future research will clarify the study's boundaries and the conclusion will synthesise the work.

Agbi et al. (2023) mentioned that effective communication lies at the heart of successful collaboration in construction projects, fostering trust, clarity and alignment around sustainability goals. Ejohwomu et al. (2017) emphasised that communication significantly impacts relationship quality, trust and collaboration among project teams in Nigeria's construction industry. Their study identified unclear project objectives, poor leadership and ineffective reporting systems as major impediments that weaken stakeholder coordination and ultimately compromise project performance.

Furthermore, sustainable construction required multi-sectoral cooperation encompassing government authorities, private developers, consultants, contractors and communities, as described by Ashade and Mutereko (2022). A study by Oke et al. (2019) carried out in Ondo State highlighted how different stakeholders hold varying influence across pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases. Government authorities are especially critical during planning, while the general public influences outcomes post-construction (Oke et al., 2019). This underscores the need to organise communication channels that are stage-sensitive and inclusive.

A study by Unegbu et al. (2024) mentioned that community engagement was another hallmark of successful sustainable construction. Studies by Ibrahim (2023) and Unegbu et al. (2024) carried out in Lagos and Abuja have shown that leadership, resource allocation and communication strategies are central to trust-building and community participation. Conversely, socio-cultural barriers, political interference and bureaucratic delays undermined engagement efforts (Lawal et al., 2018; Iroha et al., 2024). Collectively, these findings implied that effective communication is not merely a managerial tool but a sustainability catalyst facilitating stakeholder alignment, public acceptance and collaborative implementation of sustainable construction practices.

Ejohwomu et al. (2017) described that multiple dimensions of barriers hindered effective communication in Nigeria's construction sector, many of which directly impede sustainable outcomes. Ejohwomu et al. (2017) highlighted managerial and technical barriers, such as unclear project objectives, ineffective reporting structures and poor leadership, as prominent obstacles. These systemic issues create ambiguity and misalignment across stakeholder groups, undermining the clarity needed for sustainable decision-making (Adegoke and Dada, 2022; Olanrewaju et al., 2025).

Community engagement studies by Bain et al. (2022) and Koricha et al. (2024) revealed how socio-cultural dynamics like low literacy, language diversity and political interference hampered inclusive stakeholder communication. In Kano, for instance, language differences and literacy gaps impeded community participation, while in Abuja, bureaucratic and political factors further obstruct meaningful engagement (Fatai et al., 2018). Mba et al. (2025) affirmed that sustainable construction practices in Nigeria are undermined by weak policy enforcement and fragmented regulatory frameworks. Díaz-López et al. (2021) pointed out weak enforcement, corruption and lack of incentives as major systemic obstacles, alongside limited awareness of policy instruments among stakeholders. Professionals exhibit high awareness of green policies, yet adoption remains low (Oke et al., 2025). A study in Akure by Oke et al. (2025) and Akindele et al. (2023) found that financial constraints, regulatory complexity and technical skill gaps prevent implementation, despite considerable policy awareness. This “awareness adoption gap” signals a disconnect between knowledge and actionable engagement.

Ola-Awo et al. (2021) indicated that stakeholder collaboration is weakly institutionalised, with a fragmented industry structure inhibiting coherent communication. The lack of standard guidelines and educational integration further exacerbated this fragmentation, limiting knowledge diffusion and consistent messaging.

A range of strategies has emerged in the literature to surmount communication barriers and bolster sustainable outcomes in Nigeria. Akindele et al. (2023) identified education and training as the most dominant and effective strategic cluster for enhancing sustainable construction practices. Akinbogun (2023) opined that capacity-building through continuous learning raises technical know-how, encourages adoption and fosters a shared understanding among stakeholders. Addressing the awareness adoption gap in Akure, a study by Oke et al. (2025) proposed financial incentives (e.g. subsidies and grants), streamlined regulatory frameworks and clear green building codes to ease compliance burdens and encourage practical uptake.

Multi-stakeholder engagement from policymakers and industry associations to academia, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and communities is recommended to unify efforts and share best practices, reducing fragmentation and fostering collective learning (Stephen and Aigbavboa, 2025). Díaz-López et al. (2021) advocated for using locally sourced materials for learning and indigenous knowledge to lower environmental impact and project cost while enhancing local acceptance and ecological relevance.

Case study evidence from Lagos by Fajimi and Olaleye (2020) has shown that leadership and clear communication facilitated resource allocation, role clarity and community trust, key ingredients for sustainability buy-in and stakeholder ownership. Ishola et al. (2024) emphasised the need for consistent and enforceable government policy, supported by comprehensive reforms to create an enabling environment for sustainable construction through regulatory certainty and accountability.

Collectively, the reviewed studies highlight that stakeholder communication is a central coordination mechanism in construction projects. Effective communication enhances trust, transparency and collaboration among project participants, which are critical for achieving sustainability objectives. While many studies emphasise technical sustainability solutions such as energy efficiency and sustainable materials, recent research increasingly recognises that social and relational factors such as stakeholder engagement and communication practices play a significant role in determining sustainability outcomes in construction projects. The summary of how the current literature aligns with this study's objectives is presented in Table 1.

By building on these insights, this study will fill the empirical gap at the intersection of communication strategies and sustainable construction in Nigeria, especially through qualitative engagement with stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos. The theories underpinning this study are the stakeholder and communication theories (Freeman, 2020; Shannon, 1948), which explain the need to identify, prioritise and balance diverse stakeholder interests through effective communication in order to achieve a common goal. This study will provide actionable pathways for enhancing transparency, participation and collaborative decision-making in practice precisely where current literature remains underdeveloped.

This study adopted a qualitative research design underpinned by an interpretivist philosophical stance. The interpretivist approach was appropriate because the research seeks to explore the subjective meanings, perspectives and lived experiences of stakeholders involved in sustainable construction projects in Nigeria (Creswell and Poth, 2018). Unlike positivist approaches, which aim for objective measurement and generalisation, interpretivism emphasises understanding phenomena within their specific social and cultural contexts, a necessary approach when dealing with stakeholder communication, which is inherently context-dependent (Bryman, 2016).

The interview guide was developed based on themes identified in the literature on stakeholder communication and sustainable construction. Questions were designed to explore three key areas aligned with the study objectives: (1) the relevance of stakeholder communication in sustainable construction, (2) barriers affecting effective communication among stakeholders and (3) strategies for improving communication practices within construction projects. The semi-structured format allowed participants to elaborate on their experiences while keeping the discussion focused on the study objectives. This design enables the identification of themes, patterns and meanings in stakeholder narratives that are less accessible through quantitative surveys (Silverman, 2020; Ebekozien, 2021). The study population comprised stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in the planning, implementation and regulation of construction projects in Nigeria. These include government agencies (e.g. the Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development; the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency [NESREA]), private contractors, construction consultants (architects, builders, engineers, project managers and quantity surveyors) and the community. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on their professional experience and involvement in construction project delivery (Palinkas et al., 2015).To ensure the relevance of participants to the research objectives, the following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) a minimum of ten years of experience in the construction industry; (2) direct involvement in construction project planning, implementation or regulation and (3) familiarity with sustainability practices or stakeholder engagement processes. This approach ensured that participants had the expertise to provide informed insights into stakeholder communication in sustainable construction. A total of 25 participants were engaged: 12 from Abuja and 13 from Lagos. Semi-structured interviews were employed as the primary data collection tool. This method offers flexibility to explore issues in depth while ensuring that all participants respond to a common set of guiding questions (Kallio et al., 2016). The interviews were conducted virtually via secure online platforms (Zoom and Microsoft Teams), accommodating the participants' geographical spread and minimising travel risk. Each session lasted between 45–60 minutes, and with participants’ consent, all interviews were audio-recorded for accuracy. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was reached. Saturation occurred after the 20-second interview when no new themes or concepts emerged from the data. Three additional interviews were conducted to confirm the stability and consistency of the identified themes. This approach ensured that the dataset provided sufficient depth to support reliable thematic analysis. See Table 2 for details of the interviewee.

The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). The analysis process followed six stages.

1. Familiarisation with the data through repeated reading of transcripts;

2. Generating initial codes to identify significant features of the data related to the study objectives;

3. Searching for themes by collating codes into potential themes (e.g. “transparency,” “barriers due to bureaucracy” and “participatory decision-making”);

4. Reviewing themes to ensure they accurately reflected the coded data and the overall dataset;

5. Defining and naming themes for clarity and coherence and

6. Producing the report, integrating illustrative quotes from participants.

NVivo software (version 12) was used to manage and code the data, allowing for systematic organisation and retrieval of relevant segments.

To ensure research reliability, validity, credibility, transferability, generalisability, dependability and confirmability (Lincoln and Guba, 1985), several measures were taken as shown in Table 3.

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the University of Johannesburg Research Ethics Committee prior to data collection. Participants were informed about the purpose of the research, the voluntary nature of participation and their right to withdraw from the study at any time without consequence. Written informed consent was obtained before each interview. To ensure confidentiality, participants' identities were anonymised using coded identifiers (P1–P25). All audio recordings and transcripts were securely stored on password-protected devices and will be retained for five years in accordance with institutional data management policies.

This section presents the study's findings from the thematic analysis of 25 stakeholder interviews conducted in Abuja and Lagos. The themes were organised according to the study's research objectives. Each theme was discussed alongside supporting and contrasting evidence from the reviewed literature.

A dominant theme across interviews was that effective communication is the backbone of stakeholder collaboration in sustainable construction projects. In total, 21 of 25 participants emphasised that without transparent, consistent and participatory communication channels, achieving sustainability goals becomes difficult.

Government officials (P1, P5, P9, P13, P17, P21 and P25) highlighted that communication ensured alignment between regulatory requirements and project implementation, reducing delays and non-compliance. Private contractors, consultants and major community representatives stressed that early communication about sustainability objectives helps avoid costly redesigns and material wastage. One architect (P11) from Abuja says, “If all parties are not on the same page from the beginning, we waste resources, time and even goodwill. Sustainability requires more than technology; it's about everyone understanding and committing to the same vision.”

These findings closely aligned with Ejohwomu et al.'s (2017) assertion that effective communication fosters trust and collaboration in Nigerian construction projects, thereby enhancing project performance. Similarly, a study conducted in Ondo State, cited in a literature review, found that stakeholders’ influence varies across project phases, requiring phase-specific communication strategies to maintain engagement and alignment (Oke et al., 2019). The interviews also reinforced the literature's emphasis on community engagement. Local community representatives (P4, P8, P12, P16, P20 and P24) expressed that when communication channels are open and inclusive, they feel more invested in the project and more likely to support sustainable construction measures. This mirrors findings by Olatunde et al. (2025a, b) and this current study, which linked strong community engagement to improved environmental and social outcomes.

Participants (PI, P2, P3, … … …. P21 and 25) identified multiple, interrelated barriers that undermine effective communication in Nigeria's construction industry. These barriers are consistent with, but also expand upon, those highlighted in the reviewed literature.

Several interviewees (P2, P6, P10, P14, P18 and P22), particularly from the private sector, pointed to unclear project objectives, fragmented reporting systems and inconsistent leadership as significant obstacles. These issues create confusion and duplication of efforts. A project manager (P23) in Lagos described how the client's unclear sustainability targets led to conflicting interpretations among contractors, consultants and suppliers. This mirrored Ejohwomu et al.’s (2017) findings that poor leadership and unclear objectives weaken communication flows. It also supported the view from Igbokwe et al. (2025a, b) that inadequate collaboration frameworks negatively impact project delivery.

Many community representatives (P4, P8, P12, P16 and P20) cited language barriers, cultural differences and political interference as recurrent issues. For instance, in multilingual areas of Lagos, technical documents and consultations conducted only in English excluded non-English-speaking residents from meaningful participation. In Abuja, bureaucratic bottlenecks and political priorities sometimes overshadowed sustainability objectives (P1, P2, P4, P5 and P8). These observations supported the findings of the Nigerian community engagement study referenced earlier, which found that socio-cultural barriers and political interference undermine inclusive stakeholder dialogue (Unegbu et al., 2024).

Both public and private sector participants expressed frustration over the weak enforcement of sustainability policies. While policies and guidelines exist, participants reported inconsistent enforcement and a lack of penalties for non-compliance. One government agency officer (P5) in Abuja says, “We have the policies, but enforcement is another story. Without consequences, people don't prioritise sustainability and the communication around it becomes just talk.” This aligned with Díaz-López et al. (2021), who identified weak enforcement and corruption as systemic barriers.

Although 23 participants were aware of sustainability concepts and green building practices, they all admitted that adoption remains low due to cost concerns, lack of skilled personnel and perceived complexity. This confirmed the awareness adoption gap documented in Oke et al. (2025) sustainable construction study in Akure, where financial and technical challenges impede policy implementation despite high awareness levels.

A recurring theme was the fragmented nature of Nigeria's construction industry, which limits the availability of unified communication channels. Professional silos, such as the engineers, architects, builders and quantity surveyors, operated with minimal cross-communication and were reported as a major hindrance to coordinated action. This echoed Ishola et al. (2024) observation of institutional fragmentation and the absence of standardised stakeholder engagement guidelines.

Although several communication challenges were common across both cities, contextual differences were observed. Participants in Abuja emphasised the importance of bureaucratic procedures and regulatory coordination given the presence of federal institutions. In contrast, stakeholders in Lagos highlighted challenges associated with large project volumes, diverse stakeholder interests and complex community engagement. These differences suggest that communication strategies for sustainable construction should be adapted to local governance structures and stakeholder environments.

Participants proposed a variety of strategies to enhance communication, many of which aligned with the literature and offered context-specific insights. A total of 22 out of 25 participants emphasised the need for regular training workshops, seminars and continuous professional development in sustainability and communication skills. In total, 24 participants suggested integrating sustainability communication modules into professional licensing requirements. This is consistent with Akindele et al.’s (2023) identification of education and training as the most effective strategic cluster for sustainable construction.

Both public and private sector participants called for simplified regulatory frameworks and consistent enforcement mechanisms. Suggestions included developing a national sustainable construction communication protocol and linking compliance to project approval stages. This aligned with the literature advocating for regulatory simplification and incentives (Oke et al., 2025).

Several participants (P1, P5, P9, …, P17, P21 and P25) recommended adopting participatory decision-making approaches in which stakeholders, including community members, are actively involved from the early planning stage. One NGO representative noted that participatory processes reduce mistrust and improve project acceptance. This reflects the collaborative frameworks suggested by Díaz-López et al. (2021) and the Lagos case studies, in which community involvement led to better sustainability outcomes.

In total, 24 participants highlighted the potential of integrating indigenous building knowledge and locally sourced materials into sustainability communication narratives. This strategy not only resonates culturally but also demonstrates cost-effectiveness. It supported the literature's recommendation to leverage local resources to improve acceptance and reduce environmental impact.

A number of 20 participants stressed the importance of visible leadership commitment to sustainability, coupled with transparent sharing of project information. Leaders who model open communication and sustainability values were seen as key to setting industry norms. This finding reinforced Fajimi and Olaleye's (2020) research that leadership is central to community trust-building. See Table 4.

The findings of this study strongly affirmed the literature's consensus that communication is a decisive factor in achieving sustainable construction. They provided empirical backing for theories advanced by Ejohwomu et al. (2017) and others that communication enhances trust, collaboration and stakeholder alignment. While previous studies have noted broad challenges, this research details how bureaucratic bottlenecks, multilingual contexts and political interference uniquely affect Abuja and Lagos. The emphasis on professional training, participatory models and the integration of local resources offers actionable strategies grounded in Nigerian realities. By confirming the gap's persistence and linking it to communication breakdowns, the study underscores the need for targeted communication strategies that address not only what sustainability is but also how it can be implemented in practice. The findings revealed that effective stakeholder communication in Nigeria's construction industry is both a technical requirement and a social process. Achieving sustainability depends on dismantling organisational, socio-cultural and policy barriers while institutionalising transparent, inclusive and culturally resonant communication practices. These findings also support stakeholder theory, which emphasises the importance of managing relationships and communication among diverse actors in order to achieve shared project objectives (Freeman, 2020).

The findings from this research have significant implications for practice, policy, and future research in the Nigerian construction industry. They underscore the urgent need for deliberate, structured and context-specific approaches to stakeholder communication in order to accelerate the adoption of sustainable construction practices.

This study demonstrated that stakeholder communication should not be treated as an informal, ad hoc activity but as a core component of project management. Communication planning must be integrated into all project phases, such as feasibility, design, procurement, construction and post-construction, covering objectives, stakeholder identification, channels and reporting protocols. As noted by Ejohwomu et al. (2017), such integration ensures that sustainability goals are not lost amid project complexity. Communication must also be tailored: simplifying technical concepts for communities or producing concise policy briefs for agencies. Findings highlighted that participatory models, where stakeholders, including local communities, are engaged early, build trust, reduce conflict and improve project acceptance. Firms should adopt structured engagement frameworks akin to participatory rural appraisal to ensure inclusivity. Evidence from Lagos and Abuja supports Fajimi and Olaleye (2020) and Isang et al. (2025), showing that participatory engagement, coupled with transparent leadership, improves sustainability outcomes. Capacity gaps in sustainability communication and technical expertise remain major barriers. Professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Nigerian Institute of Building, Nigerian Society of Engineers and Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors should embed communication and sustainability literacy in continuing professional development. Training should include intercultural communication, digital collaboration tools, participatory facilitation and sustainability awareness (Akindele et al., 2023).

Finally, the study found that digital platforms such as Zoom, Teams and WhatsApp facilitated effective interaction. Incorporating such tools into formal processes could enhance collaboration, reduce costs and address logistical challenges. Yet, Nigeria's uneven digital access means offline approaches – community meetings, translated materials and local radio – must complement online strategies to ensure inclusivity.

A clear policy framework mandating stakeholder communication would standardise engagement across Nigeria's construction industry. A proposed National Sustainable Construction Communication Protocol could define consultation frequency, documentation requirements, inclusive approaches for diverse communities and integration of sustainability goals. This would ensure a consistent flow of information from regulators to local communities. Current policies often fail at enforcement. Agencies such as NESREA should pair sustainability guidelines with monitoring, penalties and transparent compliance reporting, echoing Díaz-López et al. (2021), who argue that policy without enforcement has a limited effect. Visible enforcement can deter violations while motivating compliance. Policymakers could also link incentives, such as tax rebates, grants or bidding priority, to firms demonstrating excellence in sustainability communication, as measured through satisfaction surveys and inclusivity indicators. Finally, decentralising policy implementation to state and local levels would ensure strategies reflect cultural, linguistic and environmental realities while aligning with national sustainability targets.

Based on the findings and implications, this study proposed an integrated stakeholder communication for sustainability (ISCS) framework tailored to Nigeria's construction industry. The framework includes.

1. Policy alignment – national protocol with decentralised adaptation;

2. Capacity-building – continuous professional training in sustainability communication;

3. Technology integration – hybrid digital/offline communication systems;

4. Participatory engagement – Inclusive stakeholder involvement from inception and

5. Monitoring and incentives – enforcement linked to measurable communication performance.

The ISCS framework serves as a roadmap for aligning communication practices with sustainability objectives, ensuring that sustainable construction becomes not just an ideal but a practical and measurable outcome. This study reinforces that in Nigeria's construction industry, communication is both the medium and the message for sustainability. Without transparent, inclusive and strategic stakeholder communication, even the most progressive sustainability policies will fail to be implemented. By institutionalising communication in project planning, strengthening regulatory frameworks, investing in capacity-building and fostering participatory engagement, stakeholders in Nigeria's construction industry can move closer to a construction sector that is not only economically productive but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.

This study offers insights into stakeholder communication for sustainable construction in Nigeria but is subject to certain limitations. The research was confined to Abuja and Lagos, two urban centres with greater exposure to sustainability discourse and stronger digital infrastructure. These contexts may not represent the realities of rural or less industrialised states, where communication systems are weaker and stakeholder dynamics differ. Thus, the findings may not be fully generalisable across Nigeria. The study engaged 25 participants drawn from government, contractors, consultants and community representatives. While sufficient for thematic saturation, the sample remains relatively small and may not capture all perspectives, particularly those of marginalised groups and informal sector actors who significantly influence local construction activities. Methodologically, the study adopted a cross-sectional design, reflecting stakeholder perceptions at a single point in time. This limits the ability to examine how communication patterns, policy environments and project outcomes evolve. Longitudinal research would be better suited to track shifts in communication strategies and their impacts on sustainability. Future studies should broaden geographic coverage, expand sample sizes and incorporate diverse stakeholder categories. Such work would strengthen generalisability, deepen understanding and provide a more comprehensive evidence base for effective communication in Nigeria's construction industry.

Building on these limitations, several areas merit further investigation to deepen and broaden the understanding of stakeholder communication in sustainable construction within the Nigerian context. Future research on stakeholder communication in sustainable construction should expand beyond major cities to include rural communities across Nigeria's geopolitical zones. This would capture diverse challenges shaped by infrastructure gaps and cultural contexts. Quantitative or mixed-method approaches with larger samples could improve representativeness, while stratifying respondents by stakeholder group (e.g. government, contractors, consultants and community leaders) and project type (e.g. residential, commercial and public infrastructure) would reveal group-specific needs. Longitudinal studies tracking communication strategies across project lifecycles are needed to understand how trust evolves and how communication affects sustainability outcomes. Developing and validating metrics for communication effectiveness, such as stakeholder satisfaction, inclusivity, timeliness and sustainability indicators, would also aid benchmarking and monitoring. Given the rise of digital platforms, future work should assess how tools like project management apps, virtual site tours and digital dashboards shape engagement, alongside barriers such as low digital literacy, affordability and uneven internet access. Importantly, the informal construction workforce remains underrepresented; research should explore their communication needs and strategies for integrating them into sustainability dialogues. By addressing these gaps through broader, inclusive and methodologically diverse studies, future research can strengthen the evidence base for communication strategies that drive sustainable and equitable construction in Nigeria.

This study set out to examine the relevance of effective communication among stakeholders in the Nigerian built environment, investigate the barriers to such communication and propose strategies for its improvement in the pursuit of sustainable construction. Guided by an interpretivist philosophical approach, the research engaged 25 stakeholders across Abuja and Lagos through semi-structured interviews, enabling an in-depth exploration of communication dynamics within the industry. The findings revealed that effective stakeholder communication is not merely a supportive function but a central driver of sustainability in construction projects. This study found that communication that is transparent, frequent and participatory is essential for aligning the interests of diverse stakeholders, reducing conflicts and ensuring a collective understanding and pursuit of sustainability objectives. In line with the literature by Freeman (2020) and Loosemore and Muslmani (1999), the results reaffirmed that collaborative and participatory communication structures enhance trust, foster stakeholder commitment and contribute to more resilient project outcomes.

However, the study also revealed significant barriers that hinder optimal communication. These include fragmented information flows, a lack of trust between stakeholders, bureaucratic delays in government responses, technological gaps and insufficient inclusion of marginalised groups. These challenges mirror existing literature (e.g. Olander and Landin, 2008; Aapaoja and Haapasalo, 2014; Gamil and Abd Rahman, 2023), confirming that Nigerian construction stakeholders face both global communication challenges and context-specific obstacles such as infrastructural deficits and socio-cultural differences.

To address these issues, the study proposed several actionable strategies.

1. Institutionalising regular and structured stakeholder engagement forums;

2. Leveraging digital communication tools while ensuring accessibility and digital literacy;

3. Encouraging participatory decision-making to promote ownership of sustainability goals;

4. Strengthening policy frameworks to mandate stakeholder communication protocols and

5. Building capacity for cross-cultural and cross-sector collaboration.

These recommendations not only align with existing best practices but also adapt them to Nigeria's unique socio-economic and infrastructural realities. From a broader perspective, this research contributes to the scarce empirical literature on communication for sustainable construction in Nigeria, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance. The thematic evidence highlighted that sustainability is not solely a product of technical design or material efficiency but is equally dependent on the social infrastructure of communication networks that connect stakeholders. The limitations of the study, particularly its geographical focus, small sample size and cross-sectional design, suggested caution in generalising the findings. Nonetheless, it also pointed to fertile ground for future research, including longitudinal and nationwide studies, the development of quantitative communication metrics and a deeper investigation into the role of informal sector actors. This study indicated that achieving sustainable construction in Nigeria requires a paradigm shift from fragmented, ad-hoc communication to deliberate, inclusive and strategic stakeholder engagement. When communication is treated as a central pillar of project delivery, it can bridge divides, synchronise objectives and transform sustainability from a policy aspiration into a consistent, measurable reality within the built environment.