Assessment of the Integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twin Technologies for Real-Time Facilities Management Decision-Making in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Facilities management (FM) on a global scale is evolving from a reactive, paper-based approach to a proactive, data-driven methodology facilitated by Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twin (DT) technologies. However, this evolution remains largely unrecorded in southeastern Nigeria. This study assessed the integration of BIM and DT technologies for real-time decision-making in FM across Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi in Anambra State. A mixed-methods approach was employed, which included a census survey of 172 registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers, yielding 158 valid responses, alongside semi-structured interviews with 15 technical key informants. The analysis utilized descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression, conducted with SPSS Version 26. The results indicated a superficial level of awareness and minimal utilization of BIM-DT technologies, yet a statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.613, p < .001) was found between the adoption of these technologies and the efficiency of FM decision-making. Furthermore, barriers related to financial, infrastructural, regulatory, and technical literacy were significant predictors of implementation outcomes (R² = 0.299, p < .001). The study advocates for coordinated policy efforts, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure improvements to bridge the identified gap between awareness and action.

Keywords: ; Digital Twin; Facilities Management; Technology Adoption; Anambra State