Infrastructure development has been a source of concern for most developing countries. The enormous resources needed to provide public infrastructure makes it prohibitive for countries with weak economies The inability of Nigeria to effectively manage it resources have also rub off on the development of public infrastructure in the country. Given the proposition of scholars that infrastructural development has a very strong relationship to economic growth as well as the well being of the poor in any developing societies, infrastructure development becomes both an economic as well as a political matter. The study investigated the political economy of infrastructure development in Ogun State, Nigeria from 2003 to 2011. Using in-depth interview of 52 respondents which included, key political functionaries, community leaders and private citizens, as well as observation carried out through visit of local government in the state, and documentary review of vital government publications, the study found that the adoption of direct labour approach led to drastic reduction in the cost of infrastructure development in the state. There was massive development of human capacity in the construction sector, as well as economic growth through boosting of the local economy as income and profits were ploughed back into the economy as against repatriation of profits by foreign construction companies. Other states and the federal government should adopt direct labour approach in order to achieve sustainability in infrastructure development, as well as economic development which it engenders.

Infrastructure development has been a source of concern for most developing countries. The enormous resources needed to provide public infrastructure makes it prohibitive for countries with weak economies The inability of Nigeria to effectively manage it resources have also rub off on the develop...