Conflict Resolution in Nigerian Construction Industry Projects: A Practice-Based Study in Rivers State

This study investigates conflict resolution practices within construction industry projects in Rivers State, South South Nigeria, with a focus on the professional management of disputes between contractors, subcontractors, clients, and community stakeholders. The construction industry is characterised by multi-party contracts, tight schedules, and community interdependencies that generate frequent disputes requiring effective and timely resolution to prevent project delay and cost overruns. Using a professional practice research design, data were collected through structured interviews with 35 quantity surveyors, project managers, legal professionals, and community relations officers involved in construction projects in Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor local government areas. Analysis of construction contract dispute records and arbitration filings from 2020 to 2024 provided quantitative context. The theoretical framework draws from contract management theory and dispute resolution continuum frameworks. Findings indicate that construction disputes in Rivers State most frequently involve payment disputes, scope variation disagreements, and project delay attribution conflicts. The majority are resolved through direct negotiation or engineer determination, with arbitration and litigation reserved for high-value intractable disputes. Community-related conflicts, however, are often mishandled due to inadequate conflict management training among project community relations staff. Recommendations include embedding certified dispute resolution managers in major construction project teams, developing standardised construction conflict management protocols for COREN-registered firms, and training community relations officers in conflict-sensitive engagement practices. Keywords: conflict resolution, construction industry, Rivers State, project management, dispute resolution.