Improving Critical Infrastructure for Sustainable Development in Nigeria Towards the Realization of Vision 20:2020

Abstract

Good quality infrastructure is a key ingredient for sustainable
development. All countries need efficient transport, sanitation,
energy and communication systems if they are to prosper and provide
a decent standard of living for their population. In Nigeria, poor
infrastructure has been responsible for increased poverty,
joblessness, insecurity, low investments, low human capacity
utilization, poor basic needs, etc., which cannot sustain the economy.
This paper examines the importance and effects of infrastructure in
Nigeria’s effort towards development. Improved infrastructure
accelerates growth and sustains human development, but in Nigeria,
the nation cannot boast of any infrastructure that is readily
available. The government is also not helping matters, because no
meaningful plan or policy has been implemented to show that the
remedy is in sight. Therefore, the paper looks at the ways and means
of improving infrastructural provision and how it will improve the
standards of living, enhance growth, and sustain human and
material development. It concludes with the recommendations on
how to move Nigeria to the next level of realizing the vision 20:2020
socio-economic objectives.