CONSTRUCTION MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES COMPETENCIES FOR BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Construction MSMEs in Abuja face numerous challenges that threaten their operational continuity, ranging from economic downturns and supply chain disruptions to project delays and regulatory changes. This study looked at how skilled construction micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (CMSMEs) in Abuja, Nigeria are at business continuity planning (BCP). The goal was to help BCP MSMEs get better at BCP. The study adopted the quantitative research approach. The population for the study was made up of the major stakeholders of SMEs within the construction industry (architects, builders, civil engineers, services engineers, and quantity surveyors) in construction firms listed in the Abuja Business Directory. The use of purposive sampling techniques was adopted. A structured questionnaire was adopted to collect data. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test was undertaken to validate the research instrument. Analysis of data was undertaken with the use of descriptive statistics (percentage, frequency counts, and mean item score). The study revealed that the most important management competencies are design, coordination, and oversight of small or medium-sized businesses (MIS=4.78). It also recorded a standard deviation of 0.47, indicating the existence of agreement between responses. The findings revealed that the most important planning competency is relational abilities (MIS=4.71). It also recorded a standard deviation of 0.45, indicating the existence of agreement between responses. The most important task-organization competency is specifying goals (MIS = 4.64). It also recorded a standard deviation of 0.48, indicating the existence of agreement between responses. So, the study comes to the conclusion that improving CMSMEs' BCP skills is necessary to make them more resilient, make sure they can stay in business, and help Abuja and Nigeria's economy as a whole stay stable. As a result of the conclusions made in this study, the following were recommended: Stakeholders should organise targeted training programs to enhance management, planning, leadership, and creative competencies critical to BCP. The government should provide low-interest loans and financial grants to CMSMEs to ease financial constraints affecting BCP implementation.