Nigeria’s landscape is dotted with ambitious projects that promised to transform the nation’s infrastructure, energy sector, and economy.
However, a closer look reveals a pattern of stalled progress and unfulfilled potential. From the winding waters of the Niger River to the industrial heartland of Ajaokuta, from the bustling streets of Port Harcourt to the remote hills of Mambilla, billions of dollars have been poured into mega-projects that remain incomplete or non-operational.
Bayelsa Tower Hotel
The Bayelsa Tower Hotel, an ambitious project initiated in 2005 by late Governor Diepreye Solomon Alamieyesiegha. The 5-star 18-story structure was intended to be the crown jewel of Bayelsa’s tourism sector and revenue generation with an estimated cost of N8 billion.
However, several years after the dream was conceptualized and billions of naira injected into it, the multi- billion naira state-owned project has become the proverbial stillborn as a result of controversies from the preceding governors of the state.
Abuja Millennium Hotel
The Abuja Millennium Tower, once envisioned as a symbol of Nigeria’s progress into the 21st century, now stands as a stark reminder of the challenges facing large-scale public projects in the country.
Originally conceived in 2006 during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Millennium Tower project was designed to be a 170-meter architectural marvel, complete with a cultural center, restaurants, and observation decks. Initially budgeted at N50 billion with N34 billion already spent, it was slated for completion in 2011 to mark Abuja’s 20th anniversary as Nigeria’s capital.
Funding irregularities, political instability, corruption are some of the reasons for abandonment of this project.
Although, the current FCT minister, Nyesom Wike has promised to revive the project, the construction cost have skyrocketed to over N200 billion.
Tinapa Resort
Tinapa project was initiated in 2005 under the administration of Governor Donald Duke. It was envisioned as a world-class business and leisure resort with an initial investment of over $350 million.
It was designed to be an integrated business and leisure resort with a free trade zone, shopping center, movie production studio, water park, and luxury accommodations.
Despite the $340 million dollars spent, the resort remains largely unoccupied. It became a stark contrast to the vibrant center it was intended to be majorly as a result of management issues, political changes, economic downturn and infrastructural challenges.
Katsina Wind Mill
The Katsina Wind Farm, once heralded as a beacon of renewable energy in northern Nigeria, now stands as a testament to the challenges facing large-scale infrastructure projects in the country.
The Katsina Wind Farm project was initiated in 2005 during the administration of late President Yarad’ua when he was the governor of the state.
It was designed to generate 273 kilowatts of electricity by installing 37 turbines. The Wind Mill was located in Lambar Rimi area, the project aimed to boost power supply in Katsina State and serve as a model for renewable energy development in Nigeria.
The project, initially estimated to cost about N4.4 billion (approximately $29 million at the time), has faced significant funding issues. Budgetary allocations have been inconsistent, leading to prolonged delays.
Also, the rise of insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria has impacted the project. There have been reports of vandalism and theft of equipment at the site.
River Niger Dredging
The dredging of the River Niger, a project with immense potential to transform Nigeria’s inland waterways and boost economic activities, has been marred by delays, controversies, and incomplete execution for decades.
It was initiated in 2011 under the administration of President Good luck Jonathan. The project estimated construction cost was N47 billion with over N30 billion released to contractors.
The project aims to make the river navigable year-round from Baro in Niger State to Warri in Delta State, a distance of about 572 kilometers.
However, in 2016, the Nigerian Indigenous Ship Association claimed no substantial dredging work had been done despite the significant funds allocated.
Rivers Monorail
The Rivers Monorail project, once touted as a revolutionary solution to Port Harcourt’s transportation woes, now stands as a stark reminder of ambitious infrastructure plans gone awry.
The project was initiated in 2009 during the administration of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the monorail project was designed to provide a modern mass transit system for Port Harcourt with an estimated cost of $380 million. The initial plan involved a 12km route from Sharks Park to the International Airport.
The challenges faced by this project was majorly funding. Others include technical issues and political controversies.
Abuja CCTV Project
In 2010, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, signed a $470 million contract with ZTE Corporation, a Chinese firm, financed through a loan obtained from China and funding by federal government, to install CCTV cameras and other security infrastructure in Abuja and Lagos. The Abuja component was meant to cover major streets and intersections across the Federal Capital Territory.
Currently, the Abuja CCTV project is largely non-operational. While some cameras were installed, the vast majority are not functioning. The command and control centers, meant to monitor the CCTV feeds, are either incomplete or not fully equipped.
The key issues that hindered completion of the project were funding and payment controversies.
Brass LNG
The Brass Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, once poised to be Nigeria’s flagship in expanding its LNG capacity, now stands as a stark reminder of the challenges facing large-scale energy investments in the country.
The Brass LNG Project was conceived in 2003 and was designed to be Nigeria’s third LNG facility after Nigeria LNG (NLNG) and OK LNG. With an estimated cost of $3.5 billion, it was projected to process 10 million metric tonnes of LNG per annum.
The Brass LNG became non-functional despite $1.2 billion spent on the facility construction.
The key hindrances to the completion of this project were funding challenges and stakeholders withdrawal.
Mambilla Power Project
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, once hailed as the potential cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy future, now stands as a symbol of the country’s struggle to realize large-scale infrastructure projects.
First conceived in the 1980s, the Mambilla Power Project is designed to be a 3,050 megawatt hydroelectric facility on the Donga River in Taraba State. If completed, it would be the largest power-generating installation in Nigeria and one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in Africa.
The project has faced numerous setbacks and challenges. Despite multiple feasibility studies and design changes, it wasn’t until 2005 that federal government awarded the contract to Chinese consortiums but later voided. Five years later, a new contract was signed with Sinohydro Corporation and CGGC. The project was redesigned to 3,050MW capacity in 2016 and $5.8 billion contract signed with Chinese firms in 2017.
However, bureaucratic hurdles, funding challenges and legal disputes have continually stalled progress.
Ajaokuta Steel Mill
The Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), once envisioned as the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialization, stands today as a stark reminder of the country’s struggle to realize its industrial potential.
Conceived in the 1970s, the Ajaokuta Steel Mill was designed to be Nigeria’s primary steel production facility, utilizing the country’s iron ore deposits to jumpstart a domestic steel industry. The project began in 1979 with assistance from the Soviet Union. Buildings have been erected and machinery has been put in place.
However, the Steel Mill which covers 24 hectares has never been fully operational. A myriad of challenges including political instability, mismanagement and funding issues have stalled the progress of the project .