Goodluck Jonathan abandoned projects in Bayelsa blamed on successors who failed to continue his development plans, leading to wasted resources and missed growth
Goodluck Jonathan abandoned projects in Bayelsa State have become a symbol of Nigeria’s cyclical governance failures, as the former president bemoaned the neglect of key infrastructure he initiated during his tenure as state governor.
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Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the Best Western Plus Hotel in Yenagoa, Jonathan voiced frustration over the fate of multiple hospitality projects he set in motion before becoming Vice President in 2007.
According to him, successive administrations failed to sustain his development agenda, resulting in wasted resources and stunted tourism growth.
“When a governor leaves office, the next governor doesn’t want to follow up, and most of the money spent goes to waste,” Jonathan said, describing the lack of continuity in governance as a systemic flaw that cripples long-term progress.
The former president revealed that during his tenure, Bayelsa State had invested heavily in hospitality infrastructure to position Yenagoa as a tourism hub, particularly during the early days of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), which the state once hosted.
However, due to insufficient hotel facilities at the time, international guests were forced to lodge in Port Harcourt.
To tackle the gap, Jonathan’s government issued loans ranging between ₦10 million and ₦15 million to local hotel owners for upgrades. “But after I left office, nobody refunded the money, and the initiative died,” he lamented.
He also cited the abandonment of three major hotel projects, including the Tower Hotel and two three-star facilities, as missed opportunities that could have transformed Bayelsa’s economic and cultural appeal.
“If they had done these three hotels, by now visitors coming to Bayelsa State would have had comfortable places to stay,” he said.
Goodluck Jonathan abandoned projects highlight a recurring issue across Nigeria’s political landscape: the unwillingness of incoming leaders to build upon the achievements of their predecessors. “That is the problem of government,” Jonathan stressed. “Most of the money spent will go.”
Despite the setbacks, the former president praised the opening of the Best Western Plus Hotel, calling it a fulfilment of his original vision for Bayelsa’s hospitality and tourism industry.
He commended the project’s initiator, Dr Harcourt Adukeh, for his commitment to local development.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also lauded the milestone, describing the hotel as a “landmark development” that would bolster job creation and attract private investment. He called on Bayelsans to emulate Dr Adukeh by investing in their home state to support sustainable economic growth.
The hotel’s Executive Director, Mrs Initeme Aduke-Eromhonsele, spoke of the facility’s blend of luxury and functionality, set against the scenic backdrop of the Oxbow Lake. She emphasised that the hotel meets international standards and brings a touch of global class to the heart of the Niger Delta.
The launch of the Best Western Plus marks a turning point for Yenagoa, long overlooked in Nigeria’s tourism narrative.
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Yet, as Goodluck Jonathan abandoned projects continue to serve as cautionary tales, the state’s future will depend not just on vision, but on the political will to sustain progress beyond individual tenures.
