Authors : Olutope Adeniyi Adewole

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4kb8n4ba

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2s8z99px

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan896

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Calabar, the capital of Cross River State in Nigeria is getting progressively blighted by an urban proliferation of half-finished and unfinished buildings. The risks and causes of this urban dilemma are multifaceted, and this literature review is a systematic evaluation of the underlying factors and risk of this urban problem. This paper utilizes the systematic review methodology to summarize the available scholarly and grey literature to develop a comprehensive perspective. Results indicate that the issue of uncompleted buildings in Calabar is not caused by one factor, but instead, a multi-layered and dynamic combination of economic factors, deep-rooted governance failures, political instability, technical deficiencies, and legal entanglements. Although the economic conditions, including the lack of funds and cost overruns are often named as the main causes, the analysis shows that they are often instigated and aggravated by the institutional weaknesses and political interference. The dangers of these structures are also a serious threat to the overall health of the population by supporting the spread of vectors, negative impacts on the overall economic performance and property prices, and inflicting social dissatisfaction on populations. The paper combines theoretical models of urban studies, project management, and political economy to provide a critical analysis of the failure in the system. It concludes by giving a strong, multi-stakeholder framework of action policy suggestions against the socio-economic and political situations of Calabar with focus on preventative interventions, strategic actions and community-based interventions to prevent future abandonment. Thus contributing to sustainable urban development in Calabar.

Keywords : Abandoned Buildings, Urban Risk, Public Policy, Calabar, Sustainable Development, Nigeria.

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