Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Construction projects in Nigeria often face challenges that lead to failures and abandonments, which have significant economic and social implications. This research aims to investigate the causes of construction project failures and abandonments in Nigeria. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to gather comprehensive insights into the issue. The research will focus on various factors contributing to construction project failures and abandonments in Nigeria, including but not limited to poor project planning, inadequate funding, delays in project delivery, poor stakeholder engagement, corruption, political instability, and lack of skilled labor. By examining these factors, the study seeks to provide a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by construction projects in Nigeria. Through interviews, surveys, and document analysis, the research will gather data from construction industry professionals, project stakeholders, government officials, and experts in the field. The data collected will be analyzed using statistical tools and thematic analysis to identify patterns and trends related to project failures and abandonments in Nigeria. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, construction industry stakeholders, and project managers in Nigeria. By understanding the root causes of construction project failures and abandonments, stakeholders can develop strategies to mitigate risks and improve project outcomes. Additionally, the study aims to raise awareness about the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the successful completion of construction projects in Nigeria. Overall, this research seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on construction project management in Nigeria and provide practical recommendations for improving project success rates. By addressing the underlying causes of failures and abandonments, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of construction projects in the country. Ultimately, the goal is to promote sustainable development and economic growth by overcoming the challenges that hinder the successful implementation of construction projects in Nigeria.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION 1.1     BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Abandoned projects and construction failure including building and other civil engineering infrastructure development project like houses, churches, schools, roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, air port, sea port etc. litter the whole Nigeria. Osemenan (1987) reported that Nigeria has become the “world’s junk-yard of abandoned and failed projects worth billions of naira and it is greatly unthinkable that Nigeria blessed with so great potentials in the building and construction industry can experience such magnitude of project failure and abandonment. According to another report by Kotangora (1993) there are about 4000 uncompleted or abandoned project belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria with an estimated cost of above N 300 billion which will take 30 years to complete at the present execution capacity of government, also according to him this issue of abandonment and construction project failure is been left without adequate attention for too long which is now having a multiplier effect on the construction industry in particular and the national economy as a whole. The building and construction industry plays a very dominant role in the economy of any nation. A healthy economy usually experience an increase in building and construction activities, but in a depressed economy, the incidence of project abandonment and construction failures tends to be more prevalent. Akindoyeni (1989) qualitatively reasoned that some of the causes of project abandonment and construction failure in Nigeria are deaths of client, inability of client to attract fund and lack of good planning. The abandonment of development projects is the act of discontinuing any activities or maintenance works on such development project within a time frame of the contract agreement and with no intention of returning back to the development (Spelman, 1993). Similarly, O’Flaherty (1993) while reflecting on property development projects suggest that it is when an owner or developer is ceasing to provide the required maintenance management to a developed property. There could also be construction failure due to improper planning. However, real property development projects being a capital intensive undertaking should be critically analyzed to ascertain its feasibility and viability before embarking on it. But, on several occasions and as it had been observed, governments, contractors and agencies have abandoned development projects mid-way into construction and completion. The causes and effects of these development projects abandonments and construction failure are not just peculiar to a particular reason rather cut across several reasons (Ayodele and Alabi, 2011), and as well as creating a total dwindling effects on the values of developed properties located close and within the vicinity. The expected prominence of any earmarked development projects is to be completed, while at the same time, adding values to the built environment aesthetics. Although, development projects are temporary endeavors undertaken to create a unique product and services with a defined beginning and ending date (Gardner, 2005). The accomplishment of such purposes should be realized at all times otherwise needless of such development (Gardner, 2005). The development projects specific in the study framework is infrastructural projects (such as; house, electricity, road, schools, and drainage). However, the study purpose is to investigate and assess the causes and effects of development projects abandonment  and construction failure in Nigeria.

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 

The unceasing abandonment and failure of development projects is so shocking in the developing countries such that Nigerian has remained one of the countries in such difficulty (Ayodele and Alabi, 2011; Kotangora, 1993; Osemenan, 1987). Therefore, the significance that the incessant abandonment of projects and construction failure would bring several effects on the aesthetics of the environment, real properties and its values and the economy cannot be overemphasized since some of the development projects provide the basic services that should meet the needs of the people. However, this study will examine the causes of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria.

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives of this study: 1.     To examine the causes of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria. 2.     To examine the effect of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria. 3.     To determine the solution to the problem of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria.

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.     What are the causes of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria? 2.     What is the effect of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria? 3.     What is the solution to the problem of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria?

1.6     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study: 1.     This study will educate the general public and the experts in the building industry on the causes of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria with a view of proffering solution to the problem. 2.     This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7     SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study on causes of construction project failure and abandonments in Nigeria will cover the issues of abandoned projects, failed project and all other abandoned infrastructural facilities.

LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).  Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.