Beyond Project Delivery: Reimagining Aid Governance for Sustainable Community Development in Nigeria

Authors

  • Paul Chibuike Ezebuilo Covenant University Ota, Ogun State Nigeria
  • Daniel Eseme Gberevbie Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
  • Ugochukwu David Abasilim Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
  • Celestina Ekene Chukwudi Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecmlg.22.1.5244

Keywords:

aid governance, community development, sustainable development, World Bank-assisted projects, Nigeria

Abstract

The uncertainty surrounding foreign-assisted projects and programmes, despite the influx of development aid, stems from governance and institutional policies, which have undermined efforts to achieve sustainable development in developing countries like Nigeria. World Bank-assisted projects have played a significant role in achieving sustainable community development in areas such as healthcare services, education, infrastructure, social services, and poverty alleviation. The benefits of foreign aid have been influenced by unfavourable policies, resulting in the discontinuity of projects and programmes after donor exit. This study examines how foreign aid governance can be reinvented through World Bank-assisted projects and programmes, thereby providing a framework to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of foreign aid in achieving sustainable community development. Good Governance Theory (GGT) was adopted as the theoretical framework, focusing on the basic principles of transparency, accountability, responsiveness, participation, and institutional effectiveness. The study employed a qualitative research design, drawing on secondary data from government policy documents, World Bank project reports, and academic journals on foreign-aided projects and programmes, and analysed the collected data thematically. Findings revealed that sustainable community development outcomes are driven by good institutional mechanisms, inclusive participation, effective resource management, inter-agency collaboration, and that the lack of these inhibits the sustainability of community projects. The study contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 and 17 by strengthening local governance institutions and policies, and institutionalising community partnership and participation across the phases of community projects and programmes. Thus, enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms, and ensuring policy continuity among political administrators. The study concludes that sustainable community development should prioritise good governance and local ownership, rather than merely meeting project and programme implementation targets. The study recommends that the government, development agencies, and international organisations adopt a governance-based framework for the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of foreign-aided projects to ensure sustainable community development.

Author Biographies

Paul Chibuike Ezebuilo, Covenant University Ota, Ogun State Nigeria

Paul Chibuike Ezebuilo is an Assistant Lecturer and a PhD student in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. His research interests focus on Development Studies and Administration, Comparative and environmental Politics, Governance, Peace, Conflict and Security Studies.

Daniel Eseme Gberevbie, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Daniel Eseme Gberevbie is a Professor of Public Administration in the Department of Political Science and International Relations and Dean, College of Leadership and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. His research interests include public policy-making, ethics and public service. He has his works published in high-impact journals.

Ugochukwu David Abasilim, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Ugochukwu David Abasilim is a Senior Lecturer of Public Administration and Sub-Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. His research interests span public administration, governance, public sector management, institutional effectiveness, leadership and development studies. He has published in scholarly journals and participates in multidisciplinary research.

Celestina Ekene Chukwudi, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Celestina Ekene Chukwudi is a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. Her research interests focus on Comparative Politics, Peace Studies and Conflict Management, Governance, Development and Security Studies. She has her works published in reputable local and international journals.

Downloads

Published

2026-11-01

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026): The Proceedings of the 22nd European Conference on Management Leadership and Governance (ECMLG 2026)

Section

Late Submissions