ABUJA, Nigeria — Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture remains one of the major obstacles to the country’s development, warning that the failure to properly maintain public infrastructure continues to slow economic growth and waste valuable national resources.
Speaking at a public event, Okonjo-Iweala stressed that Nigeria invests significant amounts in constructing roads, schools, hospitals, power facilities and other public infrastructure, but often fails to maintain them adequately after completion. She said this pattern results in rapid deterioration, forcing governments to spend even more money on repairs or complete reconstruction.
According to her, a strong maintenance culture is essential for sustainable development because it helps preserve infrastructure, improves service delivery and ensures that public investments continue to benefit citizens over a long period. She noted that many developed countries have achieved lasting progress by prioritising maintenance alongside new construction.
Okonjo-Iweala explained that neglecting maintenance affects every sector of the economy, including transportation, healthcare, education, agriculture and energy. Poorly maintained roads increase transportation costs, unreliable public facilities reduce productivity, while deteriorating infrastructure discourages local and foreign investment.
She urged governments at all levels to shift attention from merely commissioning new projects to ensuring that existing facilities remain functional through regular inspection, repairs and preventive maintenance. According to her, maintaining infrastructure is often less expensive than replacing damaged facilities after years of neglect.
The WTO chief also called on public institutions to adopt long-term maintenance plans and allocate sufficient funding for routine upkeep of government assets. She said proper planning would help extend the lifespan of infrastructure while reducing unnecessary expenditure on emergency repairs.
Okonjo-Iweala noted that maintenance should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of government. She encouraged citizens, private organisations and communities to protect public facilities from vandalism, misuse and neglect, stressing that national assets belong to everyone and should be preserved for future generations.
She further emphasised that changing Nigeria’s maintenance culture requires a shift in public attitude, stronger institutional accountability and improved management systems. According to her, both leaders and citizens must embrace the principle of caring for existing infrastructure rather than waiting until facilities completely break down before taking action.
The former Nigerian finance minister also highlighted the economic benefits of effective maintenance, noting that well-maintained infrastructure supports business activities, creates jobs, attracts investment and improves the quality of life for citizens. She said efficient infrastructure is critical to achieving sustainable economic growth and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Development experts have long identified poor maintenance as one of the factors limiting Nigeria’s infrastructure development. They argue that regular maintenance reduces operating costs, improves safety and ensures that public investments deliver maximum value over time.
Okonjo-Iweala concluded by urging policymakers to make maintenance a national priority, insisting that Nigeria cannot achieve its full development potential if it continues to neglect existing infrastructure. She expressed optimism that with better planning, stronger accountability and a renewed commitment to preserving public assets, the country can maximise the benefits of its investments and accelerate national development.
