Stakeholder Management and Project Sustainability in Community Development Projects in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria

Effective stakeholder management is a prerequisite for sustainable community development projects, particularly in oil-producing communities in South South Nigeria where project opposition is common. This study examines the relationship between stakeholder management quality and project sustainability in community development projects in Bayelsa State. A descriptive cross-sectional design will recruit 180 community development officers, project managers, NGO staff, and community members from 12 completed projects in Yenagoa, Brass, and Ogbia local government areas. The Stakeholder Management Maturity Model will assess engagement quality, and project sustainability will be evaluated through functionality indicators six months after project completion. Multiple regression analysis will identify key stakeholder management predictors of sustainability. Evidence from Bayelsa State's oil community development landscape highlights community ownership and participation in project design as the strongest predictors of post-completion functionality. Findings will guide petroleum company foundation programs and government community development agencies in the region. Keywords: stakeholder management, project sustainability, community development, Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria