Addressing Abandoned Government Projects: Strategies for Economic, Environmental and Social Recovery

Ishaq Ibrahim

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.11.no3.2025.pg107.125

📄 Download Paper

Addressing Abandoned Government Projects: Strategies for Economic, Environmental and Social Recovery

Ishaq Ibrahim

Abstract

Abandoned government projects pose significant economic, environmental, and social challenges, impacting national development and community well-being. This study explores community perspectives on the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to project abandonment. Data from various stakeholders highlight key economic impacts, including wasted resources (56.10%) and hindered economic growth (24.39%). Environmental consequences such as land degradation (43.90%) and pollution (29.27%) are also prevalent, while social issues like reduced access to services (51.22%) and increased crime rates (46.34%) further exacerbate community hardships. The findings reveal that corruption (27.12%) and political interference (23.73%) are major obstacles to project completion. Recommended strategies for improving project success include enhanced funding mechanisms (33.90%), improved governance (25.81%), and anti-corruption initiatives (24.19%). Additionally, accountability measures like regular audits (44.07%) and transparent reporting (37.29%) are suggested to prevent future project abandonment. This study underscores the importance of community involvement, financial integrity, and effective oversight in ensuring the successful completion of government projects. A multi-faceted approach integrating governance reforms, legal frameworks, and stakeholder engagement is essential for sustainable development and public trust.

Keywords

Project abandonmentPublic perceptionInfrastructure developmentPolicy

References

Adebayo, A., & Iweka, A. (2017). Challenges of abandoned projects and their implications for sustainable development. Journal of Sustainable Development, 10(2), 45–59. Adebayo, A., & Iweka, A. C. (2017). The impact of abandoned government projects on economic development in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration and Policy Research, 9(3), 45– https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jpapr.v9i3.123 Ademola, A., & Oni, T. (2018). The social consequences of abandoned projects: A case study of selected regions in Nigeria. Social Policy and Development Review, 12(3), 89–104. Ademola, T., & Oni, J. A. (2018). Social and economic consequences of abandoned infrastructural projects: A case study of Nigeria. Olatunji, F., & Bashorun, R. (2021). Public sector project failure: Evaluating the financial and economic impacts of abandoned projects. African Journal of Public Administration, 18(1), 99–121. Olatunji, O. A., & Bashorun, A. (2021). The financial burden of abandoned projects: Case study of Nigeria’s public sector. African Journal of Economic Policy, 10(2), 112–130. Onwuka, I., Ikekpeazu, F., & Onuoha, C. (2015). Causes of the 2012 floods in Aguleri and Umuleri, Anambra State, Nigeria. British Journal of Environmental Sciences, Volume, [Page Numbers]. Osei-Tutu, E., Badu, E., & Owusu-Manu, D. (2010). Corruption and project abandonment in the construction industry of developing economies: Causes and solutions. Journal of Construction Management and Economics, 28(3), 215–227. Osei-Tutu, E., Badu, E., & Owusu-Manu, D. (2010). Exploring corruption practices in public procurement of infrastructural projects in Ghana. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 3(2), 236–256. von Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. George Braziller. World Bank. (2020). Good governance and sustainable development: Strategies for improving public project management in Africa. World Bank Publications.

Addressing Abandoned Government Projects: Strategies for Economic, Environmental and Social Recovery

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT