SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 9 AND THE CHALLENGES OF INFRASTRUCTRUAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Sustainable Development Goal 9 happens to be among the 17 Development Goals designed by United Nations in order to ensure widespread of sustainable development across the globe. Sustainable Development Goal 9 focus on ensuring infrastructural development, industry and innovation. However, the alarming rate of Nigeria’s infrastructural decay made this goal a wishful thinking. This study aimed to investigate Sustainable Development Goal 9 and the challenges of infrastructural development in Nigeria within the period 2015-2025. Rosenau’s linkage theory was adopted as theoretical guide for the study. The mix method of data collection was adopted where 377 questionnaires were distributed to the target population and 12 Key Informants Interview (KII) were equally conducted to generate qualitative and valuable information from stakeholders with the technical know-how of the study. Result of the study shows that  the SDG 9 implementation has improved transportation and road networks across Nigeria to a minimal extent. It also showed that SDG 9 initiatives have not in any way enhanced industrial productivity and technological innovation in Nigeria. In line with the forgoing findings, it was then conclude that, a combination of strategic planning, enhanced collaboration, and resource optimisation is essential for Nigeria to sustain and enhance the contributions of SDG 9 to the development of its infrastructural sector. Therefore, the study recommends that in order to ensure the successful implementation of SDG 9 in Nigeria, there is need for adequate inter-sectoral coordination in order to improve the performance in achieving all 17 SDGs. It further recommends on the need for the Nigerian government to develop feasible and stringent policies to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement and implementation of infrastructural development projects. This would aid in reducing corruption and wastages incurred in the attainment of SDG 9 and the execution of infrastructural projects in Nigeria.