Project Management Strategy and Timely Delivery of Government Capital Projects in Edo State

This study examines the application of project management strategy in achieving timely delivery of government capital projects in Edo State, Nigeria. The South South geopolitical zone has implemented numerous capital expenditure projects under state development plans, yet project delivery delays remain endemic. The research employs a survey design targeting project officers, engineers, and public procurement officials in the Edo State Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of Finance. A total of 75 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires were supplemented with document reviews of selected capital project implementation reports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. Findings indicate that capital projects managed using formal project management frameworks including work breakdown structures, milestone scheduling, and risk registers demonstrate significantly shorter delivery timelines compared to those managed through administrative bureaucracy alone. Procurement strategy design, specifically the use of competitive tendering and pre-qualification of contractors, is identified as the most critical strategic determinant of delivery performance. The study also reveals that inadequate project monitoring and weak contract enforcement are systemic factors contributing to cost overruns and time extensions. The research concludes that the Edo State government must institutionalize strategic project management standards across all capital project delivery agencies to improve public infrastructure execution. Keywords: project management strategy, capital projects, Edo State, procurement, public infrastructure.