ABSTRACT

This research examined the problem of project planning and implementation in Imo state Nigeria. Planning refers to a governmental arrangement in which targets are set for the economy whole purporting to allocate all the country’s labour, foreign exchange, raw materials and other resources between the various branches of the economy. A sample of 98 staff was selected from the population using random sampling. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources presented in tables and analyzed using percentages and frequencies. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using Chi square method. It was discovered among other things that, lack of accountability, transparency and mismanagement of human fiscal and material resources on project planning and implementation can be attributed mainly to corruption and lack of planning. It was also observed that Imo state government do not abides by the budgetary process during project planning and implementation. Following the above findings, the researcher has recommended that Effective control and regulatory measure should be employed in the execution of project, regulatory bodies should be establish to ensure transparency, Accountability, and prevent wastage of human and material resources, they should make sure that project is executed as planned. Due process should be applied in the budgetary process and planning, over estimation of project should be avoided; expenditure for any project should be in line with the stipulated amount stated in the budget. Effective monitoring and evaluation of project planning and Implementation in Imo state should be carried out.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEMS OF PROJECT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION IN IMO STATE NIGERIA)

Title page ……………………………………..………………………i

Certification page………………………………….…………………ii

Approval………………………………………………..…………… iii

Dedication………………………………………………….…………iv

Acknowledgement…………………………………………….………v

Abstract………………………………………………………………..vi

Table of contents…………………………………………………….. vii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION……………………………………….………..1

1.1 Background of the study………………………………….……….1

1.2 Statement of the problem…………………………………………5

1.3 Research Questions ………………………………………………7

1.4 Objectives of the study …………………………………………..7

1.5 Research Hypotheses…………………………………………..….8

1.6 Significance of the Study………………………………………….9

1.7 Scope of the Study………………………………………………..9

1.8 Limitation of the Study……………………………………………9

1.9 Definition of Terms and acronym         ………………………………..10

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW ………………………………………13

2.1 Conceptual Framework…………………………………………..13

2.2 Empirical Literature ……………………………………………..23

2.3 Theoretical Framework ………………………………………….49

2.4 Gap in Literature…………………………………………………51

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY………………53

3.1 Research Design …………………………………………………53

3.2 Area of Study ……………………………………………………53

3.3Sources of Data…………………………………………………..53

3.4 Population of Study……………………………………………..54

3.5 Sample and Sampling Technique……………………………….54

3.6 Validity and Reliability of Data Instrument……………………56

3.7 Methods of Data Collection…………………………………….56

3.8 Method of Data Analysis……………………………………….56

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS…………………58

4.1 Presentation of Data…………………………………………….61

4.2 Test of Hypotheses…………………………………………….69

4.3 Discussion of Results……………………………………………78

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………….79

5.1 Summary of Findings…………………………………………..79

5.2 Conclusion………………………………………………………81

5.3 Recommendations………………………………………………83

References…………………………………………………..85

Appendix/questionnaire…………………………………….85

CHAPTER ONE

1.0. Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The essence of government is to advance the welfare of an increasing number of people. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on many of its provisions affirms this position.

To advance the welfare of its citizens, government formulates projects aimed at these objectives. The socio-economic problems of Imo state of Nigeria, such as unemployment, inflation, rural exodus, poverty, high rate of armed robbery, juvenile delinquencies, epidemics, generates keen interest among scholars and institutions.

This to inquire not only into the fundamental causes of these malignant societal problems but mainly a way out or panacea to the problems which will help for even development. Imo state is one of the most cosmopolitans of south eastern states. It represents a strategic access to the South-East of Nigeria from the River Niger end. The state has a history of leadership in the area of commerce with towns like Owerri, and Orlu being major centers for entrepreneurial activities. Imo state has one of the highest levels of man power resources and their technological background in the south east.

According to Onu, [2007], Imo state project have been designed principally to improve the living standard of the masses. However, what has characterized formulated or planned projects in Imo state is that most of the projects meet with serious implementation problem. These can be attributed to poor management of the economy, misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement by top government officials, political instability, executive recklessness, insensitivity and corrupt practice affects the implementation of government projects.

Despite its endowment, Imo state had a disproportionate share of the socio-economic and political crises and these have characterized Nigerian history as a nation. Apart from the general neglects and mismanagement that characterized military governance in Nigeria, the more appalling problems are corruptions and mismanagement by successive civilian administrators. Recently, unprecedented forms of political instability and tension have had devastating effects on the state project planning (1) implementations. Expectedly, these years’ crises were not without adverse effects on socio-economic development and livelihood of the masses in the state. The incidence of poverty increased from 32.2% on 1996 poverty profile for Nigeria to 53.5% in 2003, [Imo UNDP office].

Therefore enrolment in public schools, especially in secondary schools, stagnated in 2002. Literacy for individuals is above 73.60% in 1999 [FOS, UNICEF 2000] and is believed to have stagnated equally too. Report shows that the proportion of individuals with access to safe drinking water declined from 49.8% [FOS,UNICEF 2000] to 49% between 1999 and 2003. This could be caused by total collapse of public water facilities in major towns like Owerri.

Similarly percentage of total population with sanitary means of excreta disposal which stood at 85.5% in 1999 [FOS, UNICEF 2000] is now said to be 49% [IMO WES]. Even though there is insufficient data to evaluate the tread in state gross domestic product. Within the period, there was noticeable decline in average house hold income [Imo state of Nigeria 2006]. It has been said time without number that Imo state government is not getting the required services. There are no roads, good drinking water, electricity and what have you in the state indeed, our state is lacking infrastructural development completely.

Ngwu, [2006] observed that the state development history and experience shows that projects planning and implementation is possible but has not been practicable. He stated that this paradoxical situation was hypothesized to due to an absence of synergy between projects, planning and implementation and government variables. Patrimonialism was identified as a destructive form of the Nigerian political economy which has created the conditions for the centralism and subsequent abuse of power, authority, control and responsibility for governance and development at the federal, state and local government bureaucratic levels to the almost complete neglect and detriment of the state and its projects implementation. Hence the need for this study, problem of project planning and implementation in Imo state of Nigeria has been detected out. The projects are meant for the people, but they are not even aware of its existence.

1.2. Statement of the Problems

Projects planning in Imo state have over the year encountered many problems. There is a serious problem of shortage of professional planners. Project planning is very technical exercise; it therefore requires very well trained and skilled professionals for the exercise to be successful. However, it has not been the case in Imo state, often times due to lack of experience, projects and programmes that are completely unrelated are earmarked for inclusion in a plan. This has been a major problem for project planning in Imo state.

Financial constraints against project planning in Imo state arises from two factors. The first is shortfall in expected revenue. Imo state revenue mostly comes from the federal account, which is about 90% from crude oil. The vagaries of the oil market, often affects the economy profoundly. Wherever there is fall from the federation account drastically, the state economy suffers and since the earnings would no longer be enough, to finance some planned projects, it will be to a distortion of the plan. There distortions are very inimical to the realization of the state set goals via planned projects.

Lack of accountability, transparency and mismanagement of human and material resources are problems to project planning and implementation in Imo state.

Political instability and poor project planning and implementation affect project planning In Imo state. The fact is that there is cost escalation due to inflation, underestimation of project costs, increase in scope and delays in designing and completion of projects. Though projects plans are made to accommodate little variation, various projects plans and implementation in Imo state in the past were so much altered during the implementation stages to extent of distorting the overall objectives. Lack of discipline in project planning implementation has led to many abounded projects which litter the sates land scope today relies basically on data, accurate data is very scarce common in Imo State due to problems arising from the inadequacies of the state office of statistics, the unwillingness of Nigeria to reveal information and the outright manipulation of data for pecuniary or other gains project plans are often prepared without consulting the people, hence the public apathy towards its implementation.

Since the projects are meant for the people but they are not even aware of its existence or objectives they do not feel duty bound to contribute to its success. This has been a big problem that has contributed to the failure of plans in Imo state conflict areas in project planning. These conflict areas arise because of poor articulation of policies and objectives due partly inadequate staffing.

1.3. Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this research is to examine the problem of project planning and implementation in Imo state Nigeria. Specifically the study is meant to;

1. To determine the extent to which political instability has impeded project planning and implementation in Imo state.
2. To identify the effect of lack of accountability, transparency and mismanagement of human and material resources on project planning and implementation in Imo state.

• To make recommendations on ways to improve project planning and implementation in Imo state.

1.4. Research Questions

The following under listed questions guided this research.

1. Is there any project planning and implementation in Imo state?
2. What are the effects of lack of accountability, transparency and mismanagement of human and material’ ‘resources on project planning and implementation in Imo state?
3. What are the possible solutions to problems of project planning and implementation in Imo state?

1.5. Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis one

Ho. There is no significant relationship between political instability and poor project planning and implementation in Imo state.

Hi. There is a significant relationship between political instability and poor project planning and implementation in Imo state.

Hypothesis two

Ho. Lack of accountability, transparency and mismanagement of human and material resources does not impede project planning and implementation in Imo state.

Hi. Lack of accountability, transparency and mismanagement of human and material resources impedes project planning and implementation in Imo state.

1.6. Scope of the Study

This research is based on the assessment of the problems of project planning and implementation in Imo state of Nigeria. This study would have been broad in scope, but for effective study the Imo state ministry of finance and economic planning shall be used for the study.

1.7. Significance of the Study

This study focused on identifying the problems of project planning and implementation in Imo state. The challenges facing project planning and implementation shall be known and made useful by policy makers in project design, planning and implementation. And lastly, this work shall stimulate further research work in the area of study.

1.8. Limitations of the Study

This research work was limited by time constraints. The researcher faces time constraints owing to family responsibilities which affected the conduct of the research. Also, there was the problem of finance. A research of this nature requires financial backbone which is lacking. It is obvious that the research will be adversely affected, notwithstanding there constraints, the researcher has used the available time and finance efficiently to ensure a successful research.

1.9. Definition of Terms

1. Project:

Projects are programmes outlined by the state government to improve the living standard of her citizens.

1. Implementation:

The means forms or methods the state government uses, to ensure that programmes or projects she formulated are carried out.

iii.      Planning:

The defining of the future or expected future of the state under various projects.

1. Monitoring:

The ways the state ensures compliance in the implementation of formulated programmes.

1. Projects Planning:

Project planning is a combination of objectives, policies, procedures, budget and other element necessary to carry out a predetermined objective.