The Nigerian construction industry stands as a testament to the nation’s ambition and growth. From the post-independence era of foundational infrastructure to the current skyline of burgeoning cities, the sector has evolved into a formidable pillar of the economy.
However, this rapid growth has often been shadowed by a persistent challenge: the inconsistency and perceived inadequacy of quality in delivered projects. The conversation has shifted from merely building to building right—a shift where Total Quality Management (TQM) and robust Quality Assurance (QA) systems are no longer optional but essential.
For decades, the industry has grappled with a quality paradox. As highlighted in research from the Journal of Construction Innovation and Cost Management, while professionals define quality as conformance to specification and customer satisfaction, it is rarely embraced as a cultural phenomenon. This disconnect manifests in real-world constraints: a tendency to cure symptoms rather than get to the root cause of a problem, lack of standardization, and an unstable workforce.
These are not just academic findings; they are daily realities that lead to cost overruns, delays, and structures that fail to stand the test of time. The consequence is a cycle of remedial work instead of a culture of preventative excellence.
The APD Mandate: Embedding Quality in Our DNA
At APD Project Management Limited, we recognize these industry-wide challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as a call to action. Our core value of Excellence is intrinsically linked to a proactive, company-wide commitment to Total Quality Management. We believe quality is not a department; it’s a mindset that must be woven into every phase of every project.
Our commitment was powerfully articulated during our Knowleadge Sharing and APD Academy 2.0 sessions. As Mrs. Toyosi Olaribigbe emphasized in her presentation, “Quality Assurance is the backbone of sustainable construction. It’s the deliberate and systematic process of ensuring that every single material, process, and team member aligns with a pre-defined standard of excellence. It’s about building in quality from the design stage, not inspecting for defects after the fact.”
This philosophy moves us beyond the industry norm of simply meeting contract requirements. It’s about exceeding them consistently.
From Theory to Site: The APD TQM Framework in Action
How does this commitment translate on the ground? Our approach is a living case study in implementing TQM principles, as detailed by Adebowale in his Knowledge Sharing presentation on Total Quality Management. He noted that “TQM success hinges on a cultural shift where every stakeholder, from management to site engineer, takes ownership of quality.” At APD, this involves:
- Proactive Planning & Standardization: Before a single foundation is dug, our QA department establishes a rigorous project-specific quality plan. We combat the industry’s “lack of standardization” by developing our own internal benchmarks and checklists, inspired by the 12 factors of quality perception identified in industry research, ensuring nothing is left to chance.
- Root Cause Analysis, Not Symptom Treatment: We actively reject the “band-aid” approach. When an issue arises, our methodology demands a root cause analysis. This systemic problem-solving ensures that a recurring snag is eliminated permanently, enhancing long-term project efficiency and integrity.
- Continuous Learning & Empowerment: The “transient workforce” and “low education levels” cited as industry constraints are countered by our investment in continuous training through initiatives like the APD Academy. We empower our people with the knowledge to not only execute tasks but to understand the ‘why’ behind quality standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
A practical example of this is our approach to material procurement and testing. Rather than accepting certificates at face value, we have instituted a mandatory, multi-stage testing protocol for critical materials like concrete and steel. This APD-specific standard has directly prevented potential structural issues on recent projects, saving clients significant time and cost, and solidifying our reputation for reliability.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
The journey towards a universal quality culture in Nigerian construction is ongoing. At APD, we are not waiting for the industry to change; we are leading the change. By championing Total Quality Management as a non-negotiable core value, we are delivering more than just buildings, we are delivering confidence, durability, and unparalleled value for our clients.