Circular economy implementation in the construction industry: an examination of the barriers in a developing country

Purpose This study examines the barriers impeding the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices in the Nigerian architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry across diverse regions of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative approach using a five-Likert scale questionnaire (Google Forms), utilizing various analytical tools, encompassing descriptive and inferential statistics. This methodological approach allows for a multifaceted exploration of the intricacies surrounding the barriers to circular CE. Findings The study identifies and examines 24 CE barriers which are determined to be significant to the implementation of CE. These barriers were categorized into four categories: “Economic”, “Market and Information”, “Policy and Operational” and “ product development”. Research limitations/implications The adopted sampling technique may restrict the generalizability of the findings within and beyond the selected regions. Furthermore, while the analytical methods offer a comprehensive analysis, they may not capture the nuanced intricacies that qualitative methodology could provide. However, the findings can be applied to other developing countries with characteristics similar to those of the Nigerian construction industry. Practical implications The study’s findings are significant for stakeholders such as policymakers, industry and academia. By elucidating CE-specific barriers, the research facilitates the formulation of targeted and tailored strategies, fostering the integration of CE principles in the Nigerian construction industry. Originality/value This study presents novel insights into the barriers hindering the implementation of CE in the Nigerian construction industry. Offering tailored strategies and categorizing barriers into clusters adds a unique perspective to CE literature, particularly in developing countries.