Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said that Nigeria continues to struggle with a poor maintenance culture, stressing that the country must prioritise the proper upkeep of infrastructure and public assets to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Okonjo-Iweala made the remark while speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
“We lack good maintenance culture in Nigeria,” she said, highlighting what she described as one of the country’s longstanding development challenges.
Although Nigeria has invested significantly in infrastructure and public projects over the years, the former Minister of Finance noted that inadequate maintenance often leads to rapid deterioration of facilities, resulting in avoidable costs and reduced economic value.
Her comments come as governments at all levels continue to seek strategies for attracting investment, improving infrastructure, and driving economic development.
The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit brings together government officials, business leaders, investors, and development partners to explore opportunities for economic growth, investment, and sustainable development in the state.
