EFFECT OF MOTIVATION ON CONSTRUCTION WORKERS' PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS

The construction sector significantly contributes to Nigeria's socio-economic advancement through the creation of infrastructure, job opportunities, and its impact on the overall economic growth of the nation. Nevertheless, low labour productivity is a major obstacle, leading to delays in project completion, increased costs, poor workmanship, and diminished organizational performance. This research investigated how motivation affects the productivity of construction workers within Nigerian construction companies, aiming to identify the primary motivational factors that impact workers and to analyze the correlation between motivation and productivity. A descriptive survey research design was utilized, focusing on selected construction firms in Bida and Minna, Niger State as the target area for the study. A total of 200 structured questionnaires were distributed among construction workers, site supervisors, and project managers, with 187 being properly filled out and returned, which gives a response rate of 93.5%. The data were analyzed using Mean Score and multiple Regression Analysis. The results indicate that the overall mean score of 4.17 suggests that the recognized motivational factors have a significant impact on the productivity of construction workers in Nigerian construction companies. Additionally, the results indicate that the p-values for the motivational factors (timely salary payments, financial incentives, job security, a safe working environment, recognition and appreciation, training opportunities, chances for promotion, and welfare packages) were below the significance level of 0.05, confirming that all these motivational factors are statistically significant. This suggests that enhancements in worker motivation directly contribute to increases in productivity levels. The research concludes that effective motivation is a vital factor influencing the productivity of construction workers and the long-term success of projects within Nigerian construction companies. It recommends that comprehensive motivation strategies be implemented, such as timely wage payments, rewards based on performance, better working conditions, ongoing training programs, employee recognition, and inclusive management practices. By adopting these strategies, labour productivity will improve, project outcomes will enhance, and the competitiveness and sustainability of the Nigerian construction sector will be bolstered.