PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR – AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

The application of Project Management (PM) tools and techniques in public sector is gradually becoming an important issue in developing economies, especially in a country like Nigeria where projects of different size and structures are undertaken. The paper examined the application of the project management practice in public sector in Nigeria. The PM Lifecycles, tools and techniques were presented. The study was carried out in Lagos because of its metropolitan nature and rapidly growing economy. Twenty three copies of questionnaire were administered to 23 public institutions in Lagos to generate primary data. The descriptive analysis techniques using percentages and table presentations coupled with coefficient of correlation were used for data analysis. The study revealed that application of PM tools and techniques is an essential management approach that tends to achieve specified objectives within specific time and budget limits through optimum use of resources. Furthermore the study noted that there is lack of in-depth knowledge of PM tools and techniques in public sector institutions sampled, also high cost of application was also observed by the respondents. The study recommended among others that PM tools and techniques should be applied gradually especially in old government institutions where resistance to change is perceived to be high.