The Challenges of Good Governance and Project Implementation in Nigeria: A Review of Public Sector Projects in Edo and Delta States.

ABSTRACT : This study reveals that systemic corruption and other factors including poor leadership,leadership recruitment processes, ethnic and regional politics, tribalism and mediocrity, poor planning, andvariation of project design have been the causative factors that undermine projects implementation in postindependence African states, particularly in Nigeria. The study, thus, argued that successive governments ofAfrican states, using Nigeria as a case study, have been deeply engrossed in this obnoxious practice that hasundermined infrastructure sector development as well as enthroned impoverishment and mass poverty in theseAfrican countries. This study, therefore, is posed to examine the similarities in causative factors, effects andconsequences of corruption and how it affects governance, projects implementation and national growth. Toachieve this, the study adopted historical research design which is qualitative and explorative in nature. Thestudy among others suggests that the governments of developing countries should shun corruption and otherforms of obnoxious practices in order to operate effective and efficient systems that promote good governanceand ensure there is adequate projects implementation which are the attributes of a responsible government andgood leadership. Policy makers should also prioritize policy objectives and competence to ensure that policiesare fully implemented within stipulated time frame.

KEYWORDS: Developing Countries, Nigeria, Government, Project Implementation, Project Failure