Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Quantity Surveying Services in Reducing Life Cycle Costs of Public Hospitals in Nigeria

The life cycle cost performance of public hospital buildings in Nigeria is deeply affected by decisions made during design, procurement, and construction, stages where quantity surveying services have significant influence. This study evaluates the effectiveness of quantity surveying services in reducing life cycle costs of public hospitals, drawing on evidence from federal and state hospital projects in the South East, South West, and North Central zones. A longitudinal cross-sectional design was employed, with data from 25 hospital projects supplemented by survey responses from 175 quantity surveyors, facility managers, and health infrastructure consultants. Life cycle cost modelling and regression analysis formed the analytical core. Findings show that hospitals where quantity surveyors were engaged at the briefing and concept design stages, rather than only at pre-tender, demonstrate 15-year life cycle costs that are on average 12.8% lower, driven largely by better mechanical system specification, envelope performance, and maintenance accessibility. The absence of quantity surveyor input is associated with higher energy intensity, premature component failure, and unbudgeted remediation expenditure. This study moves beyond prior descriptive assessments of quantity surveyor roles by quantifying the measurable life cycle cost impact of professional engagement timing. Recommendations address procurement policy for health facility development and the integration of LCC as a mandatory design review deliverable. Keywords: life cycle cost, public hospitals, quantity surveying effectiveness, health infrastructure, Nigeria