IMPACT OF BUILDING MATERIALS ON COST AND BUDGET FOR EXPANSION OF AL-NOOR MOSQUE, ABUJA, NIGERIA.

This study examined the impact of building material selection on the budgeting and execution of Abuja’s Al-Noor Mosque expansion project, designed to accommodate 10,000 worshippers. Focused on reconciling Islamic architectural heritage with Nigeria’s inflationary economy, the research analyzed cost disparities between imported materials (e.g., decorative tiles and domes) and local alternatives (e.g., laterite and clay). Through budget analysis (2021–2023), stakeholder interviews, and procurement trend evaluations, the study identified a 35% cost escalation for imported materials due to currency depreciation, while local substitutes offered 20% savings potential but faced underutilization due to perceived quality gaps. Key findings demonstrated the viability of hybrid material strategies combining culturally essential imports with structurally sound local materials supported by artisan training and adaptive procurement. The research contributes a decision-making framework for religious infrastructure projects in inflationary contexts, emphasizing material selection, cost efficiency, Islamic architecture, local sourcing, and supply chain resilience as critical pillars for sustainable heritage preservation.