Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture is reducing the value of the country’s infrastructure and slowing economic progress.

She made the remark 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,” Okonjo-Iweala stressed that budgetary allocations alone cannot deliver development without effective project execution and proper upkeep of existing facilities.

She noted that natural endowments and new projects will not create lasting value if infrastructure is left to deteriorate. According to her, governments must focus not only on starting projects but also on preserving them to maximise economic returns.

Okonjo-Iweala also called for improvements in critical areas such as ports and digital infrastructure. She said better facilities and lower trade costs would help reduce the cost of doing business and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness.

The three-day summit aims to attract investments and promote economic growth in Delta State. It brought together policymakers, investors, and business leaders from within and outside the country, with Vice President Kashim Shettima declaring it open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

Photo credit: Nigeria Stories