Okonjo-Iweala urges stronger maintenance culture, says budgets alone won’t deliver quality roads
Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called for a stronger maintenance culture in Nigeria, saying increased budgetary allocations alone are not enough to deliver quality roads and infrastructure.
She made the remarks on Monday at the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials.”
Okonjo-Iweala said Nigeria must prioritise the maintenance of existing infrastructure while investing in better ports, digital infrastructure and lower trade costs to drive economic growth.
“Endowments alone do not add value. Budgetary allocations alone do not lead to new roads or good maintenance. We lack a maintenance culture in the country. Execution is what matters, and successful execution requires focus and prioritisation,” she said.
She added that improving macroeconomic stability at the federal level, particularly through better exchange rate management and efforts to curb inflation, would enhance the ability of states to achieve sustainable growth. According to her, recent economic reforms suggest the country is moving in the right direction.
Okonjo-Iweala said Delta State has the potential to become another major economic hub alongside Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, noting that stronger economic activity in the state would ease pressure on Nigeria’s existing commercial centres.
She urged the Delta State Government to remain fiscally disciplined by directing public funds toward productive investments rather than wasteful spending.
Referring to the state’s proposed ₦1.664 trillion 2026 budget, she noted that its emphasis on capital expenditure aligns with efforts to accelerate economic growth.
The WTO chief also endorsed Delta’s plan to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs), describing them as one of the most effective industrial policy tools for governments with limited fiscal resources and relatively small domestic markets.
She explained that SEZs help governments improve infrastructure and regulatory systems within designated areas, encouraging investment and the concentration of labour, industries and innovation.
Okonjo-Iweala added that Delta’s abundant gas resources provide a strong foundation for industrial development, especially when supported by the federal government.
She stressed that successful industrial parks depend on reliable electricity, efficient road and rail networks, adequate water supply, digital connectivity and effective regulatory support, all of which require collaboration with the federal government.
