Blockchain Technology as a Governance-Enabling Infrastructure for Airport Construction Management: A Case Study of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Airport construction projects are characterized by high capital intensity, complex multi-stakeholder networks, and stringent regulatory oversight, all of which make transparency, accountability, and information integrity critical to effective project delivery. In many developing-country contexts, including Nigeria, these projects continue to rely on fragmented and predominantly manual documentation systems, resulting in inefficiencies, approval delays, and weak audit trails. This study examines the application of blockchain technology as a governance-enabling digital infrastructure for airport construction management, using Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, as a case study. A design science research (DSR) mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating a quantitative survey (n = 80), qualitative Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), secondary document analysis, and the development of a permissioned blockchain prototype using Hyperledger Fabric. Findings reveal that 40% of respondents perceived transparency in airport construction as low to very low, and 58.8% were unaware of blockchain technology prior to the study. Despite this limited awareness, mean perception scores indicated agreement that blockchain could improve transparency (mean = 3.60) and trust (mean = 3.50). A novel Blockchain Readiness Index (BRI), developed as part of this study, categorized 53.8% of respondents as moderately ready for adoption. The permissioned blockchain prototype successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility of recording procurement approvals, verifying document hashes, simulating payment certifications, and supporting audit queries within an immutable ledger environment. The study contributes empirical evidence from a developing-country airport construction context and offers a replicable framework for translating blockchain theory into practical governance solutions.