Developing a Framework for Managing Private Real Estate Development Projects in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Private developers drive real estate delivery in Anambra State, Nigeria, yet projects are frequently hampered by informal management, regulatory inefficiency and land-related constraints. This study developed a framework for managing private real estate development projects in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi. A mixed-method design was adopted. A questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 237 developers, builders, estate surveyors and valuers, architects and quantity surveyors (223 usable responses; 94.1%), complemented by interviews with ten key informants. Data were analysed with mean item scores, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and ordinal logistic regression. Current project management practice was weak (grand mean = 2.44) and significantly below the neutral benchmark. Regulatory effectiveness significantly predicted project delivery (OR = 1.94); lack of skilled professionals and insecurity were the significant individual challenges. Respondents strongly endorsed seven framework components (grand mean = 3.99). A three-phase, two-mechanism framework is proposed, with phased implementation recommended.