Project Abstract

Abstract
Abandoned projects have become a pervasive issue in Nigeria, significantly impacting management practices across various sectors. This research seeks to explore the implications of abandoned projects on management in Nigeria. The study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing interviews, document analysis, and case studies to gather data. The findings reveal that abandoned projects have profound effects on management in Nigeria. Firstly, the financial implications of abandoned projects lead to wastage of resources and public funds, affecting the overall budgetary allocations for future projects. This results in a loss of investor confidence and hinders economic growth and development. Secondly, the social impact of abandoned projects is significant, as communities are left in a state of disarray with incomplete infrastructure projects. This not only disrupts the daily lives of the residents but also creates a sense of mistrust towards government and project implementers. Thirdly, the organizational impact of abandoned projects is evident in the breakdown of project management processes. Poor planning, inadequate risk assessment, and lack of stakeholder engagement are identified as key factors contributing to project abandonment. Moreover, the political implications of abandoned projects cannot be overlooked. The lack of accountability and transparency in project execution perpetuates a cycle of corruption and mismanagement. This erodes public trust in government institutions and undermines the effectiveness of governance mechanisms. In terms of recommendations, this study suggests the need for improved project monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to prevent project abandonment. Strengthening stakeholder engagement, enhancing transparency in procurement processes, and ensuring political will and commitment to project completion are crucial steps towards addressing the challenges posed by abandoned projects. In conclusion, the impact of abandoned projects on management in Nigeria is multifaceted, affecting financial, social, organizational, and political aspects. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, project implementers, communities, and the private sector. By implementing effective management practices and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, Nigeria can overcome the challenges posed by abandoned projects and pave the way for sustainable development.

Project Overview

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.