LEAN CONSTRUCTION IN PRACTICE: BOOSTING PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

The construction industry in Anambra State, Nigeria, faces ongoing challenges, including frequent project delays, cost overruns, and declining quality. These issues are largely driven by reliance on conventional construction methods, limited workforce training, poor stakeholder coordination, and environmental disruptions. This review explores Lean Construction as a viable solution to these persistent inefficiencies. It critically examines core Lean principles—Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Last Planner System (LPS), Just-In-Time (JIT), and Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)—and evaluates their relevance, benefits, and barriers to implementation in the local context. The analysis reveals that Lean Construction practices have the potential to streamline project delivery, minimize waste, improve cost control, and enhance overall project quality. However, widespread adoption in Anambra State remains low due to key constraints such as limited awareness, resistance to change, lack of regulatory support, and insufficient technical training. These barriers are compounded by a construction culture that favors traditional practices over innovation. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends a multi-pronged strategy: initiating capacity-building programs for construction professionals, fostering collaboration among project stakeholders, introducing supportive government policies, and implementing pilot Lean projects to demonstrate practical benefits. Such initiatives would serve to increase local understanding, validate the value of Lean practices, and gradually shift the industry's approach toward more efficient and sustainable construction methodologies. Ultimately, this review underscores the transformative potential of Lean Construction in optimizing project outcomes and advancing the construction industry in Anambra State. With targeted efforts and stakeholder commitment, Lean principles could play a pivotal role in addressing longstanding inefficiencies and promoting a culture of continuous improvement