Evaluation of Material Wastage on Building Construction Sites in Lagos State

Material wastage on construction sites constitutes a significant source of financial loss and environmental concern in the Nigerian built environment. This study evaluates the extent and causes of material wastage on building construction sites in Lagos State, with focus on residential and commercial projects in Ikeja and Lekki corridors. A quantitative research approach was adopted, employing structured questionnaires administered to 102 site engineers, foremen, and quantity surveyors. Waste generation rates for key materials including concrete, reinforcement steel, timber formwork, and ceramic tiles were assessed using site observation records and interviews. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation. Results show that poor materials handling, inaccurate procurement scheduling, lack of trained artisans, and design modifications during construction are the leading contributors to material wastage. Concrete and ceramic tiles recorded the highest waste percentages at 18% and 22% respectively above estimated quantities. The study recommends adoption of just-in-time procurement strategies, investment in workforce skills development, and integration of waste management plans into project execution documents. Quantity surveyors are urged to include material waste factors explicitly in bills of quantities to improve cost predictability. Findings from this study serve as a reference for construction firms operating in the highly competitive Lagos market. Keywords: material wastage, construction sites, Lagos, bills of quantities, procurement