Public private partnership model for implementing projects in Nigeria

Abstract

The delivery of public works and services through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) has witnessed different challenges in many developing countries. The implementation of PPP in Nigeria provides an opportunity for the government to address the inadequate public infrastructure and facilities, and to reduce government debt profile. This study aims at developing a new approach for effective implementation of PPP projects in Nigeria. The objectives are to identify PPP success factors and to develop an implementation model for effective PPP projects. The study was carried out using both interview and questionnaire survey instruments while the survey is the main research instrument. A total of one hundred and eightyfour (184) respondents provided useful responses and ten (10) interviews were conducted with the experts using semi-structured interview. The SPSS version 20.0 and content analysis were used to analyse both data collected. The results of the questionnaire survey show that the five most important factors for PPP project success are economic viability of the project, sound financial package, commitment and responsibility of public and private sectors, thorough and realistic cost and benefit assessment, and good governance. Then, the PPP model was developed in this study to address the roles and conduct of participants in the implementation of public projects under PPP procurement system. The approach incorporates rigorous planning and decision-making methods into the four implementation stages: project planning, project procurement, project construction and project operation. The model proposes the creation of Federal Project Audit Unit and that the power to approve PPP project should be given to National Planning Commission to reduce bureaucracy and political interference.