The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has criticised Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture, warning that it is reducing the value of the country’s infrastructure and hindering economic development.
Okonjo-Iweala spoke on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba.
Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” the former Minister of Finance stressed that budgetary allocations alone could not deliver meaningful development without proper execution and maintenance of infrastructure.
“The fact is that endowments alone do not add value. Budgetary allocations alone do not lead to new roads or good maintenance.
“We lack a maintenance culture in the country. I have to say that. I am Nigerian, but we need that,” she said.
She urged governments at all levels to place greater emphasis on preserving existing infrastructure instead of focusing solely on launching new projects.
According to her, effective maintenance would help governments maximise the economic value of existing infrastructure and reduce unnecessary expenditure on reconstruction.
Okonjo-Iweala also called for improvements in critical infrastructure, particularly ports and digital facilities, to lower the cost of doing business and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
“We need better ports and digital infrastructure, and lower trade costs. Execution is what matters, and successful execution requires focus. It requires prioritisation,” she added.
The three-day Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, organised by the state government, is focused on attracting investment, promoting economic growth and showcasing opportunities in the state.
The summit attracted policymakers, investors and business leaders from Nigeria and abroad, including delegations from China and Brazil.
Vice President Kashim Shettima declared the summit open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
