Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, has condemned the prolonged stagnation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, describing it as a glaring symbol of Nigeria’s wasted development potential. Speaking to The Punch after participating in the 2024 Oxford Major Programme Management Conference, he highlighted the $11 billion spent over 43 years without yielding any steel production.

“Ajaokuta has been left idle for 43 years despite the enormous investment,” Ibrahim said, emphasizing the country’s mismanagement of infrastructure projects.

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Nigeria’s 11,866 Abandoned Mega Projects

The senator revealed a staggering statistic: Nigeria has 11,866 abandoned mega projects, whose completion could elevate the nation to development standards comparable to the UK. Ibrahim urged the government to view these failures as opportunities for sustainable development and called for a paradigm shift in project management practices to avoid further squandering of resources.

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Lessons from Global Failures

Acknowledging the global nature of project management challenges, Ibrahim drew parallels to international failures, such as:

• The UK Crossrail project, whose cost rose from £14.8 billion to £18.7 billion.
• The Nevada Yucca megaproject in the US, which resulted in a $65 billion loss following its cancellation.

“Corruption is a critical issue, but it is not confined to Nigeria. Even the most prudent governments face cost overruns and delays in significant projects,” Ibrahim noted.

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Call for Action

Ibrahim proposed designating all incomplete initiatives as “National Failed Projects”, urging the Tinubu administration to prioritize their completion. He stressed that operational mega projects could foster national unity and cited successful examples, including:

• Akpabio Stadium
• Former President Jonathan’s railway project
• Abuja and Lagos airports

He argued that completing these projects would bridge ethnic divides and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

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Academic and Professional Achievements

Senator Ibrahim’s participation in the Oxford conference underscores his expertise in major programme management. Notably, he:

• Is the first-ever Business Doctorate graduate from the University of Cambridge.
• Holds a PhD in Modern War and Foresight.
• Authored a pioneering book on African mega projects, presented at the conference.
• Is an alumnus of the MSc in Major Programme Management at Oxford’s Said Business School.

He also announced progress on the University of Fortune, a proposed Nigerian institution aimed at enhancing education and innovation.

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Moving Forward

Ibrahim’s remarks highlight the need for comprehensive reform in Nigeria’s project management approach. As he advocates for accountability and efficient resource use, his call to action serves as a reminder of the potential impact well-executed infrastructure projects can have on national development.