Effect of Non-Performing Loans on Banks Willingness to Finance Construction Projects in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examined the effect of non-performing loans on banks’ willingness to finance construction projects in Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effect of loan default rates on credit approval and to evaluate the effect of bad-debt recovery challenges on the volume of bank financing for construction projects in Enugu State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to bank staff involved in credit assessment and lending decisions. The study population comprised 1,498 bank staff, from which a sample size of 306 respondents was determined using the Freund and Williams formula at a 5% margin of error. Of the 306 questionnaires administered, 231 were correctly completed and returned, representing a valid response rate of 75.5%. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, while the hypotheses were tested using the Z-test. The findings revealed that loan default rate had a statistically significant negative effect on credit approval for construction projects (Z = −8.043, p < .05). Similarly, bad-debt recovery challenges had a statistically significant negative effect on the volume of bank financing for construction projects (Z = −8.372, p < .05). The study concluded that increasing loan default rates and challenges associated with bad-debt recovery adversely affect banks’ willingness to approve and provide financing for construction projects in Enugu State. The study recommends that banks strengthen their credit-risk assessment, loan-monitoring, and debt-recovery mechanisms to reduce loan defaults, improve recovery efficiency, and enhance confidence in financing viable construction projects.