Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Abandoned projects have become a prevalent issue in Nigeria, with significant implications for management practices and the environment. This research project aims to investigate the impact of abandoned projects on management in Nigeria from an environmental science perspective. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the field. The research findings reveal that abandoned projects in Nigeria have a profound impact on various aspects of management. The economic consequences of abandoned projects include wasted resources, lost investments, and negative effects on local economies. Moreover, the environmental implications of abandoned projects are significant, leading to land degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. These environmental impacts not only affect the immediate project site but also have far-reaching consequences for surrounding communities and ecosystems. In terms of management practices, the study highlights the challenges faced by project managers in dealing with abandoned projects. These challenges include inadequate funding, poor planning, corruption, and lack of stakeholder engagement. The research also identifies the need for improved regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to prevent project abandonment and hold responsible parties accountable. Furthermore, the study explores the social impacts of abandoned projects, such as increased poverty, social unrest, and reduced access to essential services. The findings underscore the interconnected nature of environmental, economic, and social factors in the context of abandoned projects and the importance of holistic management approaches. Based on the research findings, recommendations are provided to improve management practices and mitigate the impact of abandoned projects in Nigeria. These recommendations include promoting transparency and accountability in project implementation, enhancing community engagement and participation, strengthening regulatory oversight, and fostering sustainable development practices. By addressing these key issues, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of abandoned projects and their negative consequences on the environment and society. Overall, this research project contributes to the existing literature on abandoned projects in Nigeria and provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working in the field of environmental science and management. The findings highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by abandoned projects and promote sustainable development in the country.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The unceasing abandonment of residential buildings and 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 residential buildings and projects would bring several effects on real properties and its values and the economy cannot be overemphasized since some of the abandoned buildings and development projects provide the basic services that should enhance the real properties developed.

Abandoned residential building is a building whose occupant has moved out basically due to poor maintenance and infrastructure, security, dilapidation, natural disaster which has made the building not to be habitable. The abandonment of residential properties and development projects is the act of isolating the building or 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. abandoned project.However, real property development and maintenance 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 old buildings and development projects mid-way into construction and completion.

The causes and effects of these residential building abandonments 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. Most of this abandoned residential building usually turned into hideout for criminals. abandoned project

Although, the location of the abandoned property and demand is equally important but accessibility and the availabilities of the infrastructures in the real property location and in the surrounding built environment should be of much more significant determinants in this study context. Values in itself are not intrinsic (Schram, 2012) rather depends on the benefits derivable from that property.

While this remained the case for real properties, it is essential for any real property to have sustained improved values, and this is assumed to be influenced by the availability of the earlier mentioned infrastructures in the real property location. So, if the needed infrastructures are imperious in determining the property values. Benin City is the State Capital of Edo State, Nigeria is characterized with lots of abandoned residential building due to urbanization, poor infrastructures and roads. Residents of Benin City living in erosion prone areas have to pack out of their houses because of flooding and fear of reptiles. Some school buildings have been abandoned due to neglect by successive government which has turned into hideout for criminals and cultists. abandoned project.