Risk Management Practices in Small and Medium-Scale Construction Projects in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

Risk management is a critical determinant of project success, yet its formal application in small and medium-scale construction projects in Nigeria remains inconsistent and underexamined. This study investigates risk management practices among small and medium-scale construction firms operating in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design will recruit 160 project managers and site supervisors from registered construction firms through the Abuja chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building. A structured questionnaire will assess risk identification, assessment, response planning, and monitoring practices, drawing on the PMBOK risk management framework. Firm size, years of operation, and professional certification status will be analyzed as predictors of risk management sophistication. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation will examine relationships between risk practice quality and project performance outcomes. Existing evidence from Nigerian construction contexts suggests that informal and reactive risk management is prevalent among small-scale firms, contributing to frequent project failures. This study will provide targeted recommendations for professional bodies, construction firm owners, and vocational training providers in Abuja. Keywords: risk management, small construction firms, Abuja, PMBOK, project performance