Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said that budgetary allocations and natural endowments alone are insufficient to drive sustainable development, stressing that Nigeria must embrace a stronger culture of maintenance.
Speaking on the country’s development challenges, Okonjo-Iweala noted that infrastructure can only deliver long-term value when it is properly maintained, regardless of the amount spent on its construction.
“Endowments alone do not add value; budgetary allocations alone do not lead to new roads and good maintenance. We lack a good maintenance culture in the country,” she said.
The former Nigerian Minister of Finance argued that while governments often focus on launching new projects, far less attention is paid to preserving existing infrastructure, leading to rapid deterioration and repeated expenditure on repairs or reconstruction.
According to her, effective maintenance is a critical component of economic growth, as it helps maximize public investments, extends the lifespan of infrastructure, and reduces the financial burden associated with replacing neglected facilities.
Okonjo-Iweala’s remarks highlight a longstanding concern among policy experts who have repeatedly called for Nigeria to shift from a culture of building new infrastructure to one that prioritizes the upkeep of roads, schools, hospitals, power facilities, and other public assets.
Experts say poor maintenance has contributed significantly to the deterioration of public infrastructure across the country, often resulting in higher costs for governments and inconvenience for citizens.
Her comments also underscore the importance of accountability in the management of public resources, emphasizing that development is measured not only by the size of government budgets but by the quality, durability, and functionality of projects delivered.
As Nigeria continues to invest in critical infrastructure, Okonjo-Iweala’s message serves as a reminder that sustainable development depends as much on preserving existing assets as it does on creating new ones.
