How Megaprojects Are Damaging Nigeria and How to Fix It: A Practical Guide to Mastering Very Large Government Projects

Two-thirds of very large governmental projects in Nigeria have failed since 1960, with a failure rate higher than mega projects elsewhere. This book provides an authoritative examination of why these projects have failed and practical recommendations for the Nigerian government to improve its project performance. Drawing on data from 38 very large projects, the book presents detailed analysis and case studies of 11 projects and identifies key success drivers that can save hundreds of millions of dollars on one large project alone. This is a game-changer in the management of government mega projects in Nigeria and has implications for other developing economies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Since 1960, a staggering two-thirds of extremely large governmental projects in Nigeria have not only failed but been abandoned mid-course. This failure rate surpasses that of mega projects in other regions, and yet, there is a lack of comprehensive data and analysis to shed light on the underlying reasons behind these catastrophic failures. In response to this pressing need, this book offers an authoritative examination into the root causes of the profound failures of very large projects in Nigeria. Through detailed analysis of 38 projects, including 11 in-depth case studies, the authors provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contributed to these failures. By identifying a limited number of key success drivers, the authors argue that even moderate improvements in these areas can yield significant cost savings on individual large projects. This book is a groundbreaking contribution to the management of government mega projects in Nigeria and has far-reaching implications for other developing economies. It serves as a vital resource for project management practitioners, executives, and civil servants, offering valuable insights and practical recommendations for improving project performance and achieving sustainable development goals.

Introduction:
The management of government mega projects has been a critical challenge for Nigeria, with a history of failed and abandoned projects. Since 1960, a staggering two-thirds of these projects have not only failed but been abandoned mid-course, resulting in significant economic and social losses. This failure rate surpasses that of mega projects in other regions, and yet, there is a lack of comprehensive data and analysis to understand the underlying reasons behind these catastrophic failures.

Failure Drivers:
The book identifies a small number of key success drivers that are crucial for the successful completion of government mega projects in Nigeria. These drivers include effective project management, robust project planning, adequate funding, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. However, the authors argue that even moderate improvements in these areas can have a significant impact on project outcomes.

Case Studies:
The book includes 11 in-depth case studies of failed and abandoned government mega projects in Nigeria. These case studies provide a detailed analysis of the factors that contributed to these failures, including poor project management, inadequate funding, political interference, and corruption. The authors use these case studies to highlight the lessons learned and provide practical recommendations for improvement.

Recommendations:
Based on the analysis of the case studies and the identified success drivers, the book offers practical recommendations for the Nigerian government to improve its project performance. These recommendations include strengthening project management capacity, improving project planning processes, ensuring adequate funding, promoting stakeholder engagement, and implementing transparency and accountability measures.

Conclusion:
The failure of government mega projects in Nigeria has had a devastating impact on the country's economy and society. This book provides an authoritative examination into the root causes of these failures and offers practical recommendations for improvement. By implementing these recommendations, the Nigerian government can enhance its project management capabilities, improve project outcomes, and contribute to the country's sustainable development.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030964733
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022