YAHAYA J ABDUL
Department Of History and International Studies, Federal
University Lokoja, Lokoja, Kogi State
Abstract
Road infrastructure is critical to the socio-economic development of Kogi State, serving as a backbone for trade, transportation, and access to essential services. Despite its importance, the state’s road network remains plagued by numerous challenges that hinder its development and sustainability. This study examined the key factors undermining road infrastructure in Kogi State, focusing on political leadership, corruption and mismanagement of funds, administrative bottlenecks, ethnicism and nepotism, and environmental factors. The major findings of this study were that political instability disrupts the continuity of road projects, with successive administrations abandoning initiatives started by their predecessors. Corruption and mismanagement of funds have equally led to the diversion of resources, inflated contract sums, and the use of substandard materials, resulting in poorly constructed roads that quickly deteriorate. Administrative inefficiencies, including bureaucratic delays and poor inter-agency coordination, further slowed the implementation of critical projects. Ethnicism and nepotism were found to create inequities in resource allocation, with certain areas favoured for road development based on ethnic or political affiliations, fostering marginalization and disunity. Environmental challenges such as flooding, soil erosion, and inadequate drainage systems exacerbate road degradation, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall and climate-induced impacts. The interplay of these challenges has had far-reaching implications for the state’s economy, social welfare, and overall development. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach…..