The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture is diminishing the value of the country’s infrastructure and slowing its economic development.
Okonjo-Iweala stated this 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 said budgetary allocations alone would not translate into development without effective execution and proper 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 stressed that governments should focus not only on initiating new projects but also on preserving existing infrastructure to maximise economic returns.
Okonjo-Iweala also called for improvements in critical infrastructure, including ports and digital facilities, to reduce the cost of doing business and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness.
“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, organised by the Delta State Government, is aimed at attracting investments and promoting economic growth in the state.
The event drew policymakers, investors and business leaders from within and outside Nigeria, including delegations from China and Brazil.
Vice President Kashim Shettima declared the summit open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
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