Critical Factors Influencing DFI Project Implementation in Nigeria: Insights from Stakeholder Perspectives

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) play a vital role in supporting economic growth and infrastructure development in Nigeria. However, the implementation of DFI-funded projects—such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES), and Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE)—faces significant challenges. This study adopts a qualitative approach, drawing insights from a single Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Nigeria with stakeholders, including government officials, project coordinators, donor representatives, and private investors, to explore factors influencing project execution and sustainability. Findings reveal that regulatory inconsistencies, bureaucratic delays, funding constraints, weak coordination, and limited community engagement hinder success. Despite these, effective strategies such as policy alignment, streamlined approvals, enhanced monitoring, and diversified financing have proven instrumental in overcoming obstacles. The study underscores the need for stronger governance, inclusive engagement, and advanced technologies to optimize project execution. Future research should explore innovative financing, AI-driven monitoring, and adaptive policies to improve the impact of DFI-funded initiatives in Nigeria’s development landscape.