Abstract

This research attempted to expose the imperatives of effective documentation in the realization of social and infrastructural development project objectives of Nigeria. It applied extensive literature search on the subject and experiential practice skill in documentation and procurement of public projects to locate documentation failings of various project participants and how they have negatively impacted project success in terms of dispute, quality, time and cost performance. It then established the imperatives of effective documentation and posits that it must span through four phases from pre-tender, procurement, contract administration and oversight/audit documentation, which must inevitably interface. It indicated the documentation requirement actions for contractor, Quantity surveyor and the architect. It additionally recommends for early involvement of project monitors and for stakeholders and professionals to exhibit collaborative and partnering spirit which will support the generation of accurate databases, baselines and project control metrics relevant in monitoring and audit of projects to add value to the national economy.