Publication Details
Abstract
Background: Abandoned infrastructure projects have become a critical impediment to Nigeria’s development agenda, affecting socio-economic progress and regional equity. Despite significant investment in public infrastructure, widespread abandonment remains prevalent across sectors and regions. This study investigates the socio-economic impacts, underlying causes, and regional variations of abandoned infrastructure projects in Nigeria, drawing insights from key stakeholders including government officials, contractors, and local communities. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 312 respondents across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Descriptive statistical analysis (mean, skewness, and kurtosis) was employed to measure perceptions and consensus levels. Complementing this, qualitative data were obtained via 30 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, analyzed thematically. Results show that abandoned projects significantly hinder socio-economic development by disrupting transportation, limiting access to healthcare and education, and diminishing public trust. Key causes include political interference, corruption, underfunding, and weak institutional oversight. Regional disparities are driven by governance capacity, political alignment, and community involvement. The South West reported better project completion due to higher civic participation, while regions like the North East and South East suffer from poor oversight and political marginalization. Abandonment of infrastructure projects in Nigeria is both a symptom and a cause of deeper systemic failures. Strategic reforms in project planning, monitoring, and community engagement are crucial.