Abstract:

Basic infrastructure consists of the fundamental physical and organizational structures and services required for the operation of a society. Some infrastructure are however deemed to be “critical” in nature due to their nature and their significance to the maintenance of normalcy in daily life within a country.  Critical infrastructure has therefore received special attention in most countries in recent years due also to the changing dynamics in the international system necessitating the formulation and implementation of strategies in this regard.  This paper assessed the importance and significance of critical infrastructure to national development in Nigeria and underscores the apparent neglect of this very important issue by Nigerian government. The paper employs the use of a theoretical framework to empirically explain and justify this study. Having studied critical infrastructure policies of some selected countries, the study concludes that the Nigerian government has continued to neglect this very significant aspect necessary for its socio-economic development.