Nigeria’s Biggest Problem Isn’t Money, It’s Poor Maintenance — Okonjo-Iweala

• WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture is undermining infrastructure investments and slowing economic growth.

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has blamed Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture for slowing the country’s economic growth, warning that billions spent on infrastructure will continue to deliver little value without proper upkeep.

Speaking on Monday at the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, Okonjo-Iweala said Nigeria must move beyond allocating funds for projects and focus on effective execution and maintaining existing infrastructure.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” the former Minister of Finance stressed that national development cannot be achieved through budgetary allocations alone.

“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 noted that governments should prioritise preserving existing infrastructure alongside building new ones, arguing that proper maintenance would maximize economic returns and reduce waste.

Okonjo-Iweala also called for major improvements in Nigeria’s ports, digital infrastructure and trade systems, saying lower business costs and efficient infrastructure are essential for attracting investment and improving 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 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, held in Asaba, brought together policymakers, investors and business leaders from Nigeria and abroad, including delegations from China and Brazil, to explore investment opportunities and strategies for economic growth.

Vice President Kashim Shettima officially declared the summit open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

Watch video below:

“We lack a good maintenance culture in Nigeria”

~ Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says at Delta state economic and investment summit pic.twitter.com/Cjn9wrC2cY— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) August 3, 2026