In this 21st century the issue of timely completion of project has become the business of every stakeholder in the construction industry. Nigeria is one of the fastest developing countries in the world; the construction industry is playing a vital role in its economic emancipation. Previous researchers have deliberated more on the causes of delay and yet there is paucity of information on the principles of time management. This study therefore examined the principles influencing adherence to time management in construction project in Gombe state, North-Eastern Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research method, where questionnaire was distributed through stratified random sampling to 88 personnel of the client, consulting and contracting organizations involved in construction project in Gombe state, Nigeria. While 62 questionnaires were duly completed, returned and found suitable for analysis, questionnaire administration attains 70.45% response rate. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 22, analysis were done in descriptive statistics and using non parametric test using Kendall's coefficient of concordance to establish the level of importance of sample factors and rank their mean scores according to their importance index. Findings revealed that effective communication and teamwork with (6.37 mean score); effective planning (6.10 mean score); Monitoring, controlling and evaluation of project work (6.10 mean score); Identification of purpose (5.84 mean score) and effective involvement of stakeholders with (5.41 mean score) were identified as the top most important principles influencing time management adherence in construction project in Nigeria. Therefore, it is recommended that effective adherence with the principles of time management identified in this study by all stakeholders in a construction project will go a long way to reduce the adverse effect associated with timeoverrun by ensuring timely completion of construction project in Nigeria.