**1. Introduction**

Communication remains an important instrument for generating project information which is regarded as a resource for determining project success while Pre-contract phase of project development is described as a documentation stage where communication practice is most required. Investigating the effects of client type on communication practice adopted at pre-contract phase of construction project development therefore, helps to place client type rightly in project performance. In effect, the levels and differences in adoption of communication practices between construction projects developed by public and private clients in South-west, Nigeria are established.

Meanwhile, the construction project contributes significantly to the development of any nation [1]. This contribution includes the workforce employment which is about 20% of the total workforce of the industry [2]. Hence it is reasonable to postulate that the industry contributes significantly to the growth of the economy through the provision of infrastructure affirmed to be a backbone for the economy. However, the inability of the construction industry to cope with the increasing complexity of construction projects informs its propensity for exceeding deadlines set for project duration [3].

These problems are linked to the nature of construction projects known to inhibit development of good communication links. Emmitt and Gorse [4] argued that timely project completion relies on the accuracy and timeliness of information exchange among the project team. As such, an appropriate information flow management system would be required to address the high degree of task uncertainties which characterize construction projects execution.

Although studies have investigated several aspects of communication in construction, the ones on "Client Type and Communication Practice at Pre-Contract Phase of Construction Project Development in South-West, Nigeria" appear to be relatively scarce. Hence, the motivation for the appraisal of levels and differences in adoption of communication practices between construction projects developed by public and private Clients during pre-contract phase of construction project delivery, with a view to choosing the most appropriate one for project delivery.
