Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged Nigeria to embrace a stronger culture of infrastructure maintenance, warning that increasing budgetary allocations without proper upkeep will not deliver lasting improvements to the country’s road network.
Speaking on Monday at the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” Okonjo-Iweala stressed that sustainable development depends not only on funding but also on preserving existing infrastructure.
She argued that while governments often focus on allocating more resources for new projects, inadequate maintenance has continued to undermine investments in public infrastructure, particularly roads.
“Budgetary allocations alone don’t lead to new roads,” she said, emphasising the need for a deliberate maintenance culture that ensures infrastructure remains functional and delivers long-term economic value.
The WTO chief noted that countries that prioritise routine maintenance maximise the lifespan of public assets, reduce reconstruction costs and improve the efficiency of government spending.
Her remarks come amid growing calls for improved infrastructure management across Nigeria, where deteriorating roads continue to hamper economic activities, increase transportation costs and pose safety risks to commuters.
The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit brought together government officials, business leaders, development partners and investors to explore strategies for accelerating economic growth, attracting investment and unlocking the state’s development potential.
