The Nigerian Experience

Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) projects are fast gaining recognition and acceptance in Nigeria. This is in line with current National Economic Reforms which encourage more private sector investment in public projects.

The new PPI initiatives have variable levels of adoption in both developed and developing nations around the world. It is at its infancy in Nigeria, and the knowledge base on how it impacts the construction industry remains unexplored.

This study therefore examines the trend in PPI development in the past decade and outlines the challenges (now and in the future) that stakeholders in the construction industry need to prepare for, so that their performance meets the expectations of PPI projects.

The study employed secondary data obtained from the Bureau of Statistics and Central Bank of Nigeria; and the World Bank PPI database. Results indicate an increasing level of implementation of PPI especially in the energy and communication sectors in Nigeria. The preferred PPI options are those that offer concession to private investors and the Greenfield project option.

Sustained implementation of PPI poses challenges to the construction industry and project participants in particular. The industry needs to brace up in several areas to provide competent services that would contribute to PPI and other value for money initiatives.