The construction of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway has been a source of contention for decades, with views varied on whether it is a scourge or a godsend. On the one side, the delay in completion has generated significant frustration among commuters, resulting in traffic congestion, accidents, and economic losses. On the other side, once completed, the expressway has the potential to significantly stimulate economic development, improve transportation efficiency, and increase connectivity between two important Nigerian cities whilst extending to other parts of the country. The road serves as a gateway out of Lagos which houses the largest seaport and most frequently used airport in Nigeria.
Implementing Agile Project Management (APM) concepts may assist speed up the completion of such a vital infrastructure project and I believe can be replicated to other road infrastructure construction projects across the nation like the Benin – Ore road amidst others. Here’s how:
Iterative Planning and Execution: APM focuses on iterative planning and execution, which allows for flexibility and adaptation to changing circumstances. This strategy can be especially useful in large-scale infrastructure projects, where unforeseen obstacles are common. Breaking down the project into smaller, achievable tasks and constantly reassessing priorities allows project managers to respond quickly to challenges and keep the project on track.
Read more: Lagos-Ibadan Express Way: To Toll or Not to Toll?
Stakeholder engagement: Agile emphasizes close engagement with stakeholders throughout the project’s lifespan. In the case of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the major stakeholder is the communities along the expressway, the integration of government agencies, transportation authorities, and other key stakeholders in decision-making processes can help address their concerns and ensure that the project meets their requirements and expectations. This collaboration can help generate a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the project’s success, potentially minimizing opposition and delays. The expected delivery should include overhead bridges which would need to factor in the immediate communities that would be affected by the construction though the long term advantage outweighs the immediate challenges.
Adaptive Planning: Agile techniques encourage adaptable planning, which allows project teams to modify their tactics and priorities in response to feedback and changing requirements. For the highway project, this could entail re-evaluating resource allocation on a frequent basis, changing timetables, and adding new technology or construction methods to speed up completion. By remaining adaptable and sensitive to changing conditions, project managers may reduce risks and expedite development.
Continuous Improvement: Agile promotes a culture of continuous improvement in which teams evaluate their performance, identify areas for improvement, and execute changes accordingly. Applying this idea to the expressway project may entail doing regular retrospectives to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and make process improvements. Project teams can improve their workflows and overcome challenges by cultivating a learning and adapting culture.
Also read: Lagos-Ibadan Train Service: Should Nigeria Build Railways For the People with low income?
Appropriate budget allocation is critical for the timely completion of infrastructure projects in Nigeria. Agile Project Management emphasizes prioritizing work based on its value and return on investment, which can assist guarantee that funds is spent properly to meet the most pressing needs first. Furthermore, Agile approaches encourage transparency and responsibility in budget management, lowering the likelihood of cost overruns and financial mismanagement. The indirect revenue from the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would be ease of moving goods in between cities thereby generating income and taxes for the states.
In conclusion, while the Lagos-Ibadan expressway has experienced significant delays and challenges, implementing Agile Project Management principles, combined with appropriate funding allocation, could help expedite its completion and realize its potential benefits for economic development and regional connectivity. Project managers can better traverse difficulties and achieve success by embracing flexibility, stakeholder cooperation, adaptive planning, continuous improvement, and cautious financial management.
