COVID-19 recovery for the Nigerian construction sites: The role of the fourth industrial revolution technologies

Fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies have been proved as successful platforms to communicate and visualise construction projects within team meetings. These techniques possibly can enhance compliance with Covid-19 rules on sites. How far concerning Nigerian construction contractors in the use of 4IR technologies are yet to receive in-depth studies. Therefore, this paper offers a collective insight into the issues affecting construction firms from Covid-19 regarding lockdown rules and the role of 4IR technologies. Given the unexplored nature of the problem, a virtual face-to-face type of qualitative research method was employed. Twelve semi-structured interviews from selected construction firms and consultant experts were engaged and collated data analysed via a thematic approach. Findings group the 4IR technologies into smart construction site, simulation and modelling, and digitisation and virtualisation in Nigeria’s context, and majority of the 4IR technologies can be useful to enhance Covid-19 compliance. Reluctant to adopt, high implementation cost, inadequate knowledge management, resistance to change, among others emerged as the factors hindering 4IR technologies usage. Findings will strengthen and provide a rich insight into the impact of Covid-19 on construction sites and contribute towards informing key stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the implementation of 4IR technologies on site.