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The application of Project Management (PM) tools and techniques to project
implementation in developing countries like Nigeria is gradually becoming important especially
that different sizes and structures of projects are undertaken. Work breakdown structure is
generally recognized to be the foundation of planning, estimating, scheduling, and monitoring
activities. A complex project is made manageable by first breaking it down into individual components
in a hierarchical structure. This paper focused the importance of Work Breakdown Structure
(WBS) on prompt delivery of project in Nigeria using Ondo State Capital (Akure) as a case study.
The research was carried out in Akure being the capital of Ondo State where much rapid economic
growth is going on. One hundred and ten copies of questionnaire were administered to professionals
like Civil Engineers, Builders, Quantity Surveyors, Contractors and Architects in the Federal
University of Technology Civil servants in the State Ministries, and contractors purposely to
generate primary data. One hundred copies of the questionnaire were returned (and found useful).
The study used descriptive analysis techniques which include, percentages, frequencies, weighted
averages, tables among others for data analysis. The research revealed the benefits of using WBS
in executing projects which will make management to achieve project objectives within planned
time for project budget limits, effective use of resources and prompt project delivery. It further
revealed that there are lack of indepth knowledge of WBS; time wasting among others that are
obstacles to the use of work breakdown structure in Nigeria projects. This paper concludes that
WBS is an extremely valuable tool to project management methodology because it sets the foundation
for the rest of the project planning. It also ensures proper project baseline, estimating, resource
use, scheduling, risk analysis and procurement. It therefore recommends that henceforth, the
professionals, contractors and project managers’ associations in Nigeria should promulgate a
policy that “applications of Work Breakdown Structure” is very important and necessary for
executing any project especially the complex projects for easy and accurate planning, scheduling,
cost estimating, monitoring, and prompt delivery of project.