Nigeria aspires to solidify its position as a global economic powerhouse. To achieve this, robust project management and project control practices are essential. These disciplines ensure the efficient execution of large-scale initiatives critical for economic development, keeping them on budget and on schedule. Nationwide adoption of these practices unlocks Nigeria’s vast economic potential, propelling the nation towards accelerated growth.
Infrastructure development is the bedrock of economic progress. However, delays, cost overruns, and substandard quality have historically plagued Nigerian infrastructure projects. Effective project management and controls provide a structured approach to planning, execution, and monitoring. The successful completion of projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second NigerBridge hinges on these practices to meet deadlines and budgets, ultimately enhancing connectivity and economic activity. For example, the delays on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in 2019 resulted in daily losses exceeding N10 billion due to productivity and maintenance issues. Implementing rigorous project controls could have mitigated these delays, saved significant resources and bolstered economic output.
A reliable energy sector is paramount for industrial growth and overall economic stability. Frequent power outages have crippled productivity and deterred investment. Stringent project management and control practices ensure energy projects are delivered more reliably and efficiently. Considering the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project; with effective management and control, this project can significantly improve power supply, reduce operational inefficiencies, and provide a stable foundation for industrial growth. The Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant serves as a successful example. Completed in 2018, it currently contributes 10 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity needs, demonstrating how effective project management enhances sectoral efficiency and capacity.
Agriculture remains a vital sector, yet inefficiencies and post-harvest losses persist. Effective project management streamlines processes, improves productivity and ensures sustainability in agricultural ventures. Projects aimed at enhancing irrigation, mechanisation, and storage facilities can be better managed to deliver optimal results. The Agricultural Transformation Agenda, launched in 2011, aimed to boost food production and reduce imports. However, the absence of robust project controls led to delays and budget overruns in many projects. Learning from these experiences, future initiatives like the National Livestock Transformation Plan must integrate strong project management practices to achieve their goals, ultimately propelling agricultural output and economic stability.
The global economy is increasingly driven by technology and innovation. These are areas where Nigeria possesses significant potential. Effective project management and controls are essential for the successful implementation of technology-driven initiatives in information technology, telecommunications, or the financial technology sector. By fostering an environment where tech projects are delivered on time and within budget, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in African innovation. The National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) aims to increase broadband penetration to 70 per cent by 2025. Effective project management has already yielded incremental successes, such as expanding 4G coverage to rural areas. This exemplifies how these practices can drive broader technological advancement and economic inclusion.
Effective project management and control have a profound impact beyond economic metrics, extending to social services like education, healthcare, and housing. Well-managed projects in these sectors lead to better outcomes, improving the quality of life for citizens. The Universal Basic Education Commission’s efficiently executed educational projects can significantly enhance educational infrastructure and student performance nationwide. The construction of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control reference laboratories, facilitated through effective project management, has vastly improved the country’s capacity to handle public health crises, as evidenced by its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, housing projects like the Federal Government’s National Housing Programme can reduce the housing deficit when managed with stringent project controls, ensuring timely delivery and quality construction.
Corruption and lack of transparency have long been hurdles to Nigeria’s development. Effective project management and control incorporate rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, promoting accountability and transparency. These practices ensure that resources are used appropriately and reduce the incidence of fund misappropriation, fostering trust and ensuring that projects deliver their intended benefits. The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project exemplifies this. Aimed at addressing severe gully erosion in the South-East region, it has implemented robust project controls that include community monitoring and transparent reporting. This has significantly reduced corruption and ensured that funds are used effectively to mitigate environmental degradation.
Nigeria’s path to economic growth is paved with both challenges and opportunities. Effective project management and control are critical tools to harness these opportunities and overcome obstacles. By embedding these practices across various sectors, Nigeria can ensure that key projects are completed efficiently to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Stakeholders across government, the private sector, and civil society must embrace these transformative practices to unlock the full potential of our nation. Let us embark on this journey together, for a more prosperous and sustainable Nigeria.
George Nwogu can be reached via [email protected]
