World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said Nigeria’s biggest development challenge is not a lack of resources but the country’s poor maintenance culture and weak project execution.
Speaking on Monday at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, the former Nigerian finance minister said infrastructure and public investments can only deliver lasting value if they are properly maintained and supported by effective implementation.
Okonjo-Iweala argued that natural resources and government spending alone cannot guarantee economic growth, stressing that development depends on how projects are executed and sustained over time.
“The fact is that endowments alone do not add value. Budgetary allocations alone do not lead to new roads or good maintenance,” she said.
The WTO chief acknowledged that the country has struggled to preserve public infrastructure, adding that Nigeria urgently needs to change its approach to maintaining roads, ports and other critical assets.
“We lack a maintenance culture in the country. I have to say that. I’m Nigerian, but we need that,” Okonjo-Iweala stated.
She also called for greater investment in modern infrastructure, including efficient ports, digital connectivity and measures that reduce the cost of trade. According to her, improving these areas would strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness and support long-term economic growth.
Emphasising the importance of implementation, Okonjo-Iweala said governments must focus on clear priorities and ensure projects are completed efficiently rather than spreading resources too thin.
“Execution is what matters, and successful execution requires focus. It requires prioritisation,” she added.
The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 brought together government officials, investors, business leaders and development partners to explore investment opportunities and strategies for accelerating economic growth in the state.
