Okonjo-Iweala: Nigeria’s Problem Isn’t Budget, But Poor Execution, Maintenance Culture

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria’s economic transformation will not be driven by natural resource endowments or increased budgetary allocations alone, insisting that effective execution, maintenance and infrastructure development remain the country’s biggest challenges.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, themed: “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” Okonjo-Iweala said the country must shift its focus from allocating resources to ensuring projects are properly executed and maintained.

“The fact is that endowments alone do not add value. Budgetary allocations alone do not lead to new roads, to good maintenance. We lack a maintenance culture in the country,” she said.

The former minister of finance stressed that while Nigeria is richly endowed with natural and human resources, those advantages would yield little without efficient implementation of development plans.

“I have to say that I’m Nigerian,” she remarked, adding that she appreciated the emphasis placed on infrastructure maintenance during the summit.

“I was telling Engineer Austin Avuru, thanking him for mentioning maintenance. We need that.”

Okonjo-Iweala identified improved ports, digital infrastructure and lower trade costs as critical areas that require urgent attention if Nigeria is to enhance its competitiveness and attract greater investment.

“We need better ports and digital infrastructure and lower trade costs,” she said.

According to the WTO chief, the country’s development aspirations will only be realised through disciplined implementation of policies and strategic prioritisation of projects.

“Execution is what matters. And successful execution requires focus. It requires prioritization,” she said.

Her remarks come as governments across Nigeria continue to seek greater domestic and foreign investment through infrastructure development, industrialisation and reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 brought together policymakers, investors, business leaders and development experts to discuss strategies for accelerating economic growth, strengthening infrastructure and unlocking investment opportunities in the state and across Nigeria.