Appraisal and Evaluation of Government Projects in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Nigeria

Abstract

Information on Government’s involvement in appropriate project appraisal and evaluation is still limited. The key objective of this study was to examine, and gain more insights into how projects evaluation and appraisal are done in the public sectors of Rivers and Bayelsa States, Nigeria. This study adopted the qualitative method of data analysis; and the Exploratory Research Design. And both primary and secondary data were used; but the study was constrained by gross inadequate information due to government bureaucracy and other administrative bottle neck. However, this study concluded among others that, with appropriate appraisal and evaluation mechanisms in place, government’s projects can promote non-profitable public service as well as public infrastructural provision, ecosystem and environmental protection; and hence, stimulate the growth and development of the less developed regions in the states. And hence, the establishment of a legal framework through the instrumentality of the State Houses of Assembly to strengthen the existing but weak policies regarding the appraisal and evaluation of government projects. As these strengthened policies will be applicable where the market forces cannot efficiently allocate economic and social resources was recommended among others.