POLITICAL INTERFERENCE IN POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA: THE BANE OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NIGERIA'S FOURTH REPUBLIC

Research Problem: Infrastructure is a critical means to an end but not an end in itself for every human society around the world. Its development is therefore expected to top agenda list of every nation including Nigeria. However, the reality surrounding infrastructure development deficit in developing economies such as Nigeria is linked to poor policy implementation due to political interference. This paper, therefore, analyzed the impacts of political interference on policy implementation with specific focus on infrastructure development in the Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Methods/Theory: This paper is a qualitative-based study that drew insights from secondary source as relevant to achieving the objectives of the paper. This paper used content analysis in order to objectively interpret and analyse data. The study adopted public-choice theory and institutional theory to Analyse how poitical interference impacts infrastructural development in Nigeria. Results: the study findings indicate that political interference remains a significant barrier to effective policy implementation and infratructure development, institutional loopholes and self-centeredness fuel infrastructural deficit, and ineffective policy implementation is due to systematic corruption. Conclusion: The paper concludes that political interference remains a major root cause of ineffective policy implementation and rapid infrastructure development deficit in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. Key Contribution to Knowledge: the study contributes to literature by examining the political inteference in policy implementation unlike many previous studies that focused on policy making and implementation. Recommendation: the paper recommends a quick strengthening and overhauling of institutions in order to enhance effective institution. Likewise, a moral reorientation should be organised for public officials towards policy making, implementation and infrastructure provision in Nigeria.