Abstract
The foundation of any nation’s economy and the quality of life for its citizens are deeply intertwined with its infrastructure. Therefore, investing in the rejuvenation of aging infrastructure is a crucial step toward fostering thriving and healthy communities. The existing challenges, including insufficient supply and the deteriorating condition of available infrastructure, exacerbated by a lackluster maintenance culture, contribute to the decline and degradation of these vital systems. This predicament has been identified as a prominent barrier to facilitating business activities in Nigeria. In light of this, the objective of this research was to formulate effective strategies for implementing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the maintenance of Nigerian public infrastructure.
Employing a comprehensive mixed methods approach, this study incorporated questionnaires, interviews, and observations to gather data. The questionnaire survey employed a simple random sampling method targeting professionals in the construction field, while the participants for the interviews were selected through purposive sampling. With a response rate of 40.08%, the collected data underwent analysis using statistical measures such as percentiles, mean item score (MIS), relative importance index (RII), regression analysis, and content analysis.
The findings of the study highlight that elements such as building walls, painted surfaces, toilet facilities, electrical services, and floors are recurrently in need of maintenance within structures. The assessment also uncovered the deteriorating state of public buildings, a condition attributed to the lack of a maintenance culture and insufficient budgetary allocations for upkeep. Presently, infrastructure maintenance primarily relies on the “labour only method” and “direct labour methods.” However, these approaches are plagued by challenges like high life cycle costs, subpar maintenance work quality, limited competition in public services, inadequate risk allocation, and delays in both infrastructure provision and maintenance, leading to missed revenue opportunities.
In contrast, the study demonstrates the potential of the PPP maintenance model to bring about transformative effects on infrastructure. PPPs promise enhanced service quality for maintenance activities, a decreased likelihood of abrupt component and equipment failures through structured maintenance contracts, more efficient risk allocation, and a proactive stance against building collapses. Ultimately, the conclusion drawn from this research is that PPPs hold the capability to reshape the narrative surrounding the maintenance of public infrastructures. To capitalize on these benefits, it is recommended to foster a culture of consistent maintenance and allocate sufficient budgets for maintenance endeavors.
Developing a Strategic Approach for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the Maintenance of Public Infrastructure in Nigeria. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
