The importance of viable public infrastructure in Nigeria cannot be overstated. In recent years, the government has launched ambitious projects intended to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve quality of life. However, the effectiveness of these projects often falls short due to poor planning, inefficiencies, and a lack of long-term sustainability. As a result, valuable resources are wasted, citizens become disillusioned, and the desired impact of these projects remains unrealised. To change this trajectory, it is essential for Nigeria to prioritize infrastructure viability, ensuring that each project is well-conceived, efficiently executed, and maintained for long-term success.
A critical factor affecting infrastructure viability in Nigeria is the planning phase. All too often, projects are initiated based on political motives rather than genuine need, resulting in structures that are underutilised or irrelevant to the communities they serve. Take, for example, the frequent instances of uncompleted road and bridge projects scattered across the country. Although they may have started with fanfare and high expectations, these projects often fail to deliver their intended benefits. Proper feasibility studies, conducted transparently and involving input from stakeholders, are essential to identify infrastructure needs that directly address the demands of local communities and economic development.
Funding and budget allocation are other key aspects in ensuring project viability. Infrastructure requires significant financial investment, and when funds are misappropriated or not properly managed, projects stall and quality suffers. It is crucial that funds for public projects are managed by responsible entities and that disbursement is monitored to prevent misallocation. With Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal challenges, using resources wisely is no longer an option; it is an imperative. The government must also work to attract private investment by making infrastructure projects transparent and profitable for investors, using public-private partnerships to fill funding gaps while retaining public interest.
Once infrastructure projects are completed, effective maintenance becomes a pressing issue. Roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and other facilities deteriorate rapidly in the absence of a clear maintenance plan. Maintenance is not merely an afterthought; it is essential to maximising the value of the investment and preserving public funds. For instance, many Nigerian roads fall into disrepair soon after completion because maintenance provisions are neglected or not adequately budgeted for. Integrating comprehensive maintenance schedules and securing funds for ongoing upkeep should be part of every infrastructure project from the outset.
Transparency is also vital. Citizens need to know how public funds are being used, and projects need to be held to high standards of accountability. By adopting transparent procurement processes, regularly updating citizens on project progress, and allowing for public scrutiny, the government can foster trust and encourage citizen support. This approach not only mitigates corruption but also enhances the quality and relevance of infrastructure projects.
Ensuring that public infrastructure projects in Nigeria are viable is essential for unlocking the country’s economic potential. When these projects succeed, they have a ripple effect, improving transportation, attracting investment, creating jobs, and enhancing the overall quality of life for Nigerians. Conversely, when infrastructure projects fail, they squander public funds and set back national progress. A strategic approach focused on genuine need, sound financial management, robust maintenance, and transparency will yield long-term benefits, moving Nigeria closer to a future where all citizens can enjoy the dividends of truly effective and sustainable infrastructure.
