LEADERSHIP AND THE MAINTENANCE OF URBAN PUBLIC FACILITIES BENUE STATE

This study examines the impact of leadership practices on the maintenance of urban public facilities in Benue State, with a focus on Makurdi from 1999 to 2023. The study adopts the New Public Management (NPM) Theory, which emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and private-sector participation in public service delivery. A survey research design was employed, utilizing primary data from structured questionnaires distributed to government officials, urban planners, and residents of Makurdi, and secondary data from policy documents, reports, and scholarly literature. The study's objectives include assessing the impact of leadership practices on urban maintenance, identifying key sustainability challenges, and proposing strategic solutions for improved governance and infrastructure management. Leadership plays a crucial role in the maintenance and sustainability of urban public facilities, influencing infrastructure development, service delivery, and overall urban management. The findings reveal that weak governance structures, corruption, poor funding, and lack of policy continuity significantly affect the maintenance of urban public facilities in Makurdi. Additionally, rapid urbanization without corresponding infrastructural expansion has worsened the situation, leading to deteriorating roads, drainage systems, and waste management issues. Limited public-private partnerships and inadequate technological integration further impede sustainable infrastructure maintenance. The study concludes that effective leadership, transparency, and strategic planning are critical for maintaining urban public facilities in Makurdi. It recommends institutional reforms to enhance governance accountability, increased private-sector involvement through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and the adoption of smart urban management technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for infrastructure monitoring. Strengthening community engagement and enforcing urban planning regulations are also essential for long-term sustainability.