Examining the Factors Influencing Residential Housing Developers’ Decisions in Hiring Workers with Disabilities in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Purpose This study examines the factors influencing residential housing developers’ decisions to hire and integrate workers with disabilities in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria, and evaluates the barriers they face. Study Design/Methodology/Approach A quantitative cross-sectional survey of 192 construction professionals from five professional bodies was conducted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative importance index (RII) ranking, and principal component analysis (PCA). Findings Overall, 93.7% of housing companies had never employed a person with a disability, and only 6.3% had done so. The most influential factors were nature and severity of disability (RII = 0.931) and physical job demands (RII = 0.898); legal requirements ranked low (RII = 0.496). PCA extracted three dimensions—organizational capacity (37.76%), job nature (18.29%), and external legal factors (10.82%)—explaining 66.87% of variance. The most critical barriers were fear of decreased productivity (mean = 4.46), infrastructural deficits (mean = 3.58), and absence of supportive networks (mean = 3.35). High modification costs ranked lowest (mean = 2.82), challenging assumptions that financial constraints are primary. Originality/Value This study provides the first empirical factor analysis of disability employment barriers in the Nigerian housing sector, showing that productivity fears and infrastructural deficits outweigh cost concerns. Research Limitations/Implications: The cross-sectional, self-reported design and single-city focus limit causal inference and generalizability; future research should test the framework in other contexts. Practical Implications Policy interventions should address productivity fears through successful employment models, improve site accessibility, establish vocational rehabilitation services, and use professional bodies to disseminate best practice. Financial incentives alone are insufficient without addressing perceptual and structural barriers. Social Implications: The findings support inclusive employment, disability rights, and reduced stigma, aligning with national legislation and international frameworks.