Assessment of Urban Infrastructure Financing Models and Their Impact On Sustainable Development in The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria

This study investigates urban infrastructure financing in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), focusing on the models employed, their effectiveness, and the developmental outcomes achieved. Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data were collected from 384 household respondents through structured surveys, complemented by semi-structured interviews with institutional and community stakeholders. Analysis was guided by the Finance–Mediators–Outcome (FMO) framework, linking financing mechanisms to service availability, affordability, accessibility, and sustainable urban development outcomes. Findings reveal a diversified financing landscape encompassing government budgetary allocations, Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs), private sector contributions, Sukuk bonds, and emerging community-based initiatives. Institutional actors demonstrate a detailed understanding and selective application of these models, while community awareness remains limited, with most residents perceiving infrastructure as generally “government-funded.” Effectiveness varies across sectors: electricity and water supply are relatively accessible, whereas housing, waste management, and peri-urban infrastructure face persistent gaps. Affordability and spatial disparities further constrain inclusive service delivery. The study recommends enhancing transparency and stakeholder engagement, adopting blended financing approaches, and prioritising equitable, sector-specific interventions to improve infrastructure outcomes. These measures are essential for fostering sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban development aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11 in the FCT.