THE IMPACT OF GOVERNANCE ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN KOGI STATE (2015-2023)

ABSTRACT This study, titled “The Impact of Governance on Infrastructural Development in Kogi State (2015– 2023),” examined how governance practices have influenced infrastructural growth within the state over the specified period. The objectives were threefold: to assess the extent to which governance has impacted infrastructural development, to investigate the governance strategies adopted to address infrastructural deficits, and to identify the challenges affecting governance effectiveness in facilitating infrastructure delivery. The study was anchored on the Good Governance Theory, which emphasizes accountability, transparency, and effective policy implementation as prerequisites for sustainable development. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 234 respondents was selected from a population of 565 public officials. Data were collected through structured online questionnaires administered via Google Forms and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, as well as inferential analysis through Chi-square (χ²) tests of independence. The findings revealed that governance has significantly influenced infrastructural development in Kogi State, though corruption, inadequate funding, lack of skilled personnel, and weak project monitoring remain critical challenges. The study concluded that while governance plays a pivotal role in infrastructure delivery, its impact is constrained by systemic inefficiencies and poor institutional capacity. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the state government strengthen transparency and anti-corruption mechanisms, diversify and increase infrastructure funding through public-private partnerships, and build institutional capacity while enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure timely, sustainable, and quality infrastructural development.