Adoption of BIM in Architectural Firms in Nigeria: A Survey of Current Practices, Challenges and Enablers

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has increasingly transformed global architectural and construction practices by enhancing collaboration, design accuracy, and project efficiency. However, BIM adoption remains slow in several developing countries, including Nigeria, where architectural firms play a critical role in driving digital transformation across the wider construction sector. This study investigates the current level of BIM implementation within Nigerian architectural practices and identifies key factors that either enable or constrain its uptake. Survey findings (77 responses; 77% response rate), analysed using SPSS 26.0 and the Relative Importance Index (RII), reveal that although some firms have begun integrating BIM tools, many still rely heavily on traditional 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) workflows. Major barriers include high software acquisition and maintenance costs, limited technical expertise, and insufficient organisational readiness. The results highlight the urgent need for government incentives, targeted capacity-building programmes, and industry-wide digital skill development to accelerate BIM diffusion among architectural firms, whose early adoption is essential for sector-wide modernisation. Future research should explore how socio-technical alignment can reshape BIM-enabled workflows to generate measurable value for clients, contractors, and end users. Examining collaborative data environments, information exchange standards, and participatory design practices will be crucial for demonstrating BIM’s long-term return on investment and establishing sustainable digital transformation pathways within Nigeria’s architectural and construction industries.