Cost Comparison of Building Security Cost In Nigeria [Case Study Of Abuja, Katsina, Lokoja And Minna]

Abstract

Over time in Nigeria, serious crime has grown to an alarming rate particularly in urbanized areas characterized by rapid increase in population and construction of new buildings. This research was carried out with the aim of investigating building security cost in Nigeria taking a case study of Abuja, Katsina, Lokoja and Minna, and considering residential and commercial buildings. This was achieved by identifying the different building security components and establishing the relationship between total cost of building and total cost of security. The study achieved this by establishing the existence or otherwise of significant differences between total costs of security components in buildings in relation to the nature of the use of the buildings, and the location of the buildings. The study employed a survey approach, by utilizing a data collection proforma to capture nine (9) different variables spread over various elements in building and security components which includes total contract sum, total cost of security, anti-burglar proofing, fencing, gate house and external lightning, substructure, walls and roofing. The research’s method of data analysis was using descriptive analysis. The results showed that the total costs of security differed significantly amongst the various uses of the building and buildings located in Abuja had N 17,414/m2, while Katsina, Lokoja and Minna had N 15,559/m2, N 14062/m2 and N 6,568/m2 respectively. The study also revealed that there is a significant relationship between total cost of building and total cost of security. The study recommended that appropriate designs that incorporate security components should always be the focus/priority of the building owners.