A Study of the Effect of Socio-Economic Constraints
on Community Based Infrastructural Project Delivery
in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
FEATURED PAPER
By Victor Kakogbe I; Emmanuel Chinenye Ubani, PhD II
I Senior Officer, Information Management & Accountability,
Caritas Nigeria, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
II Department of Project Management Technology,
Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study focused on the effect of socio-economic constraints on the successful delivery of community based infrastructural projects in the Niger Delta. The specific objectives are: to examine the extent to which cultural belief constrain the delivery of community-based projects in the Niger Delta; to determine whether social unrest can significantly constrain community-based infrastructural projects in the Niger Delta communities; to examine the extent to which vandalization constrain the delivery of community based projects in the Niger Delta; to ascertain whether insincerity is a significant constraining factor to community-based infrastructural projects in the region; to determine the level to which paucity of funds constrain the delivery of community-based infrastructural projects. Data were collected via questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using multiple regression analysis. The results show that all the identified socio-economic factors significantly constrained community-based infrastructural projects in the area. The study recommends that some ancestral deities and cultural norms should be reformed to support socio-economic development through sound implementation of infrastructural projects, peaceful coexistence of the Niger Delta communities and contractors, minimization of the high level of theft and vandalization of project materials and equipment by setting up of community security committees, Government should show political transparency and honesty to the development of the area, adequate and prompt funding.
Keywords: community-based projects, socio-economic constraints, infrastructural project delivery, Niger delta region
1.0 Introduction
In recent times, there has been high level of awareness and interest in good governance and public service delivery in Nigeria. This can be attributed to greater access to information and the works of civil society organisations and international development institutions (Umar, et al. 2019). There has been a plethora of seminars, conferences, discussions and campaigns on good governance and effective services delivery. However, the interest generated has not translated into commensurate development for the citizenry, especially among members of the rural communities in the Niger Delta.
The Niger Delta is located in the Atlantic Coast of Southern Nigeria, and it is the World’s second largest delta with a coastline of about 450km which ends at the entrance of the Imo River (Awosika, 1995). The geographical landmass extends over an area 70,000km2, making it the world’s largest wetland and Africa’s largest delta (Tamuno, 2022). The Niger Delta region has been defined by various individuals and institutions from different perspectives including political, cultural, ethnical and historical. The most popular being the one established by the NDDC Acts of 2000, which has been termed as political, covering nine member States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They are Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa-Ibom, Imo and Abia states. However, there is also what some researchers have called natural or “core” Niger Delta comprising Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States (Otive, 2024; Tamuno, 2022; Okolo, 2024).
More…
To read entire paper, click here
How to cite this paper: Kakogbe, V., Ubani, E. C. (2026). Socio-Economic Constraints on Projects: A Study of the Effect of Socio-Economic Constraints on Community Based Infrastructural Project Delivery in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria; PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue IX, September. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pmwj168-Sep2026-Kakogbe-Ubani-Socio-Economic-Constraints-on-Projects.pdf
About the Authors
Victor Kakogbe
Abuja, Nigeria
Victor Kakogbe is Senior Officer, Information Management & Accountability, Caritas Nigeria, Garki, Abuja. He studied Industrial Mathematics and is currently an MSc graduate of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO. He has served in many organizations at different levels and has successfully achieved targets. Fiscal Year 14 Annual Award by International Development Group. In appreciation for dedication, support and service, 2015. Certificate of Service by RTI International, 2016. Victor is married with children.
Emmanuel C. Ubani, PhD
Owerri, Nigeria
Prof. Emmanuel C. Ubani holds BSc. and MEng in Industrial Engineering; PhD in Project Management Technology. Former Head, Department of Project Management Technology, and former Associate Dean, School of Management Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri. He is a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers (MNSE), Fellow Institute of Industrial Administration (FIIA). He has published widely in both International and local Journals.
