Misappropriation of Capital Budget and the Challenges of Human Security in Nigeria, 2015- 2021

Abstract

The need to investigate the rationale for the misappropriation of the capital budget that has led to the dilapidation of roads, a development that has made road infrastructure a death trap in Nigeria, informs this study. The specific objectives of this study are; to examine the misappropriation of capital budget and the challenges of dilapidation of roads and the second objective is to investigate the challenges of dilapidation of roads on human security in Nigeria. The study employed public choice theory as a theoretical framework. The study found that there is a misappropriation of the capital budget that has brought about the dilapidation of road infrastructure across Nigeria, not undermining the decrease in government revenue. Again, there is also dilapidation of roads that has led to road traffic, made road infrastructure a death trap, increased the cost of vehicle maintenance, and increased the cost of transportation, among others. In conclusion, the misappropriation of the capital budget has led to the dilapidation of the road in Nigeria, as self-centered public officeholders have hindered the provision of good road networks that ought to empower the public and enhance human security. The study recommended, among others, that the civil society organization and other pressure groups in Nigeria should pressurize the Nigerian state to make the appointment of political officeholders part-time while also residing in their constituencies. The suggested recommendation will make political officeholders maximize their interest by rehabilitating road infrastructure in their areas.