‘Waste in Governance’: Goodluck Jonathan Condemns Governors for Abandoning Inherited Projects in Nigeria

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep concern over the recurring problem of newly elected governors abandoning uncompleted projects initiated by their predecessors. He described this trend as one of the major causes of waste in governance and a key reason for the lack of consistent development across various states in Nigeria.

Speaking during a public event, Jonathan emphasized that continuity in governance is essential for sustainable development. He lamented that many state governors, upon assuming office, prefer to start new projects instead of completing existing ones—often for political or personal reasons. According to him, this act of neglect not only drains public funds but also deprives citizens of essential infrastructure and services that could have improved their living conditions.

Jonathan highlighted that governance should be seen as a long-term commitment rather than a competition between political administrations. He noted that when leaders fail to complete inherited projects, resources already spent on those projects become wasted, and the developmental progress of the state is disrupted.

“One of the greatest challenges we face as a nation is the abandonment of government projects. A new governor comes in, and instead of continuing from where his predecessor stopped, he decides to begin new projects to make his own mark. This approach is counterproductive and wasteful,” Jonathan said.

He called for a change in political culture, urging future and current leaders to prioritize the completion of inherited projects before embarking on new ones. According to Jonathan, true leadership should focus on service delivery and continuity, not political rivalry.

The former president further stressed that the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly should play a stronger oversight role in ensuring that government projects are completed, regardless of changes in administration. He noted that many developed countries thrive because their systems emphasize institutional continuity, not individual achievements.

Jonathan’s remarks have reignited public debate about accountability and continuity in Nigeria’s public sector. Many political analysts and civil society organizations have echoed his concerns, describing the habit of abandoning projects as a key factor behind Nigeria’s slow infrastructural growth.

A recent report by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) also revealed that trillions of naira worth of government projects remain uncompleted across the country due to this persistent trend. Experts argue that enforcing policies that promote project continuity could significantly reduce waste and enhance development outcomes.

Jonathan concluded by urging both federal and state governments to establish strong institutional frameworks that ensure all initiated projects are completed, regardless of political transitions. He added that only through continuity and accountability can Nigeria achieve meaningful progress in its development journey.