Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged Nigeria to shift its focus from budget allocations to effective execution and maintenance of infrastructure, arguing that increased public spending alone cannot guarantee sustainable development.
Speaking on Monday at the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, themed ‘Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,’ the former Nigerian finance minister said the country must build a stronger maintenance culture while investing in critical infrastructure needed to drive growth.
According to her, the availability of natural and financial resources is insufficient without efficient implementation and long-term asset management.
“Endowments alone do not add value. Budgetary allocations alone do not lead to new roads, to good maintenance,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
