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While innovative building materials (IBM) have emerged as a promising solution for addressing the global construction industry’s environmental, economic and social challenges, their adoption is plagued with increasing challenges in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). To provide practical strategies to overcome the present IBM challenges in the NCI, the barriers that hinder its successful adoption need detailed investigation. Consequently, this study examines the barriers that affect the adoption of IBM for sustainable construction (SC) in the NCI.

A quantitative research approach was used to obtain primary data from 282 construction professionals, viz. architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors, via a closed-ended questionnaire survey. Data were analysed using a mean item score (descriptive analysis) and exploratory factor analysis (inferential analysis).

The study revealed the top five most significant barriers to IBM adoption in the NCI. These barriers include lack of awareness and knowledge, learning/training period, cost and economic viability, lack of qualified staff and lack of end-user involvement. Factor analysis revealed five components of barriers: resource and policy-related barriers, perception and cultural-related barriers, organisational-related barriers, awareness and market-related barriers and resistance and stakeholder engagement-related barriers.

The findings of this study have several practical implications for construction professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in Nigeria. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and technical expertise to promote the adoption of IBM in the NCI. The study also recommends several practical strategies for overcoming the barriers to IBM adoption and promoting SC practices in Nigeria, such as fostering a positive perception of sustainable concepts, fostering stakeholder support and involvement and promoting a more conducive environment for adopting sustainable practices. The implication of this study transcends the local context, offering a model for other countries to consider, thereby contributing to a global shift towards sustainable construction practices.

The findings highlight the critical role of societal attitudes and awareness in adopting IBM, suggesting the need for educational and awareness programmes to shift public and organisational perception. This shows the importance of cultural change and societal readiness to embrace sustainable construction practices.

This study contributes significantly to knowledge of the barriers to adopting IBM for SC in NCI. Findings from the study will inform policymakers, industry professionals and other stakeholders about the key barriers that require attention and intervention, facilitating the initiatives to overcome these barriers effectively.

The purpose of this research was to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore supply chain resilience and operations management practices in the construction industry, with a particular focus on the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0. The study addressed a significant gap in the literature regarding the impact of these advanced technologies on the construction sector’s ability to anticipate, respond to and recover from disruptions.

The methodology employed a bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database to identify key trends, influential publications and emerging research areas using keywords such as “supply chain”, “operations management”, “Industry 4.0”, “Industry 5.0” and “construction”. This approach allowed for a quantitative evaluation of existing literature, offering insights into the intellectual structure of the field.

The findings revealed that while Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT and AI, have enhanced the construction industry’s supply chain visibility and efficiency, the shift towards the Industry 5.0 paradigm introduces a human-centric approach that further strengthens resilience through collaboration and sustainability.

The study’s practical implications suggest to both industry and academia that embracing Industry 5.0 principles could significantly enhance the construction industry’s resilience, enabling it to withstand disruptions better and maintain project quality, timelines, and budgets in an increasingly complex global environment.

This research examines the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 within construction supply chains, offering a novel perspective on integrating these technologies.