Nigeria's poor maintenance culture undermines development, says WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala

Nigeria's infrastructure is losing value and its economic development is being hampered by a pervasive poor maintenance culture, according to World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Speaking at the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, Okonjo-Iweala stressed that simply allocating budgets for projects is insufficient without effective execution and diligent maintenance.

"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 stated. The former Finance Minister urged governments to prioritize not only initiating new projects but also preserving existing infrastructure to maximize economic returns.

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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.

Okonjo-Iweala also highlighted the need for enhancements in critical infrastructure, such as ports and digital facilities. These improvements, she argued, are essential for reducing the cost of doing business and boosting Nigeria's overall competitiveness on the global stage. "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 summit, organized by the Delta State Government, aimed to attract investments and foster economic growth. It convened policymakers, investors, and business leaders from Nigeria and abroad, with delegations from China and Brazil in attendance. Vice President Kashim Shettima officially opened the summit on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

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We need better ports and digital infrastructure, and lower trade costs. Execution is what matters, and successful execution requires focus. It requires prioritisation.