Musaddiq Mustapha Adamu, Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure at the Office of the Vice President, has outlined bold strategies and policy frameworks aimed at closing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap, especially at the state level.
In an exclusive interview with PE TV, Adamu shed light on the structural constraints hindering infrastructure delivery and the federal government’s ongoing efforts to empower subnational governments.
He identified the lack of technical capacity and limited project preparation as core challenges. “The most significant challenges for states and local governments in Africa include the lack of technical capacity and expertise to structure projects to a level of bankability, inadequate early-stage project preparation, and limited ability to develop robust project pipelines that can attract sustainable financing,” he stated.
He explained that many state governments remain under-resourced and ill-equipped to design, fund, and manage infrastructure projects independently. This, he said, creates a serious bottleneck that limits the rollout of critical public infrastructure. “There’s a real gap in technical know-how and resource availability. Without the right structures in place, even well-meaning policies struggle to gain traction.”
Adamu called for a stronger framework to promote independent revenue-based infrastructure financing. According to him, states must be supported to harness internal revenue sources such as property taxes, user fees, and public-private partnerships. He added that technical assistance and structured capacity-building programmes are essential to equipping state actors with the skills needed to manage complex infrastructure initiatives.
He also highlighted the role of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), an initiative of the Office of the Vice President, in catalyzing reforms that de-risk infrastructure investments. “New policy frameworks are currently being developed to reduce risks and attract investment at the subnational level,” he said. “PEBEC’s reforms streamline regulatory processes, enhance transparency, and improve the ease of doing business—all of which are critical for infrastructure investment.”
Adamu noted that PEBEC’s focus on implementation and monitoring allows for timely interventions and adjustments. “It’s not just about launching reforms. It’s about making sure they work, that they last, and that they improve the investment climate meaningfully.”
He further emphasized that effective land administration, sound procurement laws, and consistent project continuity are critical to building investor trust. “Clear land ownership rights, transparent procurement processes, and project continuity across political cycles are essential for investor confidence. Uncertainty or inconsistencies in these areas often deter potential investors.”
Adamu reiterated the federal government’s commitment to enabling states to become infrastructure leaders in their own right. “By equipping state governments with tools, policies, and capacity, we’re not just decentralizing responsibility—we’re unlocking growth, investment, and long-term development at the grassroots level.”
Source : African Property Magazine, Joycelyn Marigold
