STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING TIMELY PAYMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Late payment of commercial debt to contractors is significantly being discussed in the construction industry; this is because it has become a serious challenge in both developed and developing countries. Many researches have indicated that delayed or late payment of certified works is a major factor leading to late completion of construction works or even abandonment. This research investigated effective strategies for implementing a proposed frame work in minimising late payment of commercial debt to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry of Zamfara State, Nigeria. The research was carried out through the use of structured quantitative questionnaire survey administered within the stakeholders in the construction industry of the study area. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS software through the frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and ranking tools. It was discovered that majority of the contractors doesn’t charge interest because they are not aware of any enabling legislation enforcing interest charging mechanism in use in the Nigerian construction industry. The contractors are neither utilizing the provisions of section 37(3) and (4) of the Nigerian procurement act 2007 nor the provisions of most standard forms of contract. Even with the delay in the payment 90.2% of the contractors don’t take any legal action against the clients. It was recommended that contractors should resort to charging interest on their unpaid monies. This will make the clients pay progress/interim certificates and retention funds as at when due in accordance with the contract agreement. This will also reduce the need for the contractors to offer unofficial payment and pursuing contract administrators and clients for payments.