The Complexities of Mega Project execution in Nigeria

Mega-projects are large scale construction projects that involve significant financial resources. Despite increased investment in African mega-projects over recent years, several factors have resulted in a series of mega-project failures. This is often due to the complex nature of mega-projects with factors such as workforce shortages, skills gaps, and funding issues all resulting in project failure. The impact of such failures often prolong and exacerbate issues for Africa’s population such as poor access to potable water supplies, a lack of decent and affordable housing and health care, poor transportation, and worsening educational disparity. However, to date there exists a gap in research pertaining to the relationship between the complexities of mega-projects and their failure. This paper seeks to address this gap and help improve the performance of mega?project execution in Africa. A large-scale questionnaire is utilised that is completed by multiple Nigerian mega project stakeholders. Analysis of the results reveals sustainability factors such as environmental and community considerations, are often responsible for poor mega project performance. Additional factors include economic, financial, social, and cultural, and political. This supports and broadens current understanding.