Nigeria’s Infrastructure Gap Stifling Growth, Investment — NESG

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has flagged the country’s infrastructure gap as a major obstacle to economic growth, warning that it hampers productivity and deters investment.

The concern comes ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31), scheduled for October 6–8, 2025, with the theme “Building Infrastructure for Competitiveness.” The forum will focus on how infrastructure can drive efficiency, attract investment, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

In a statement issued Thursday, the acting Head of Strategic Communication & Advocacy at NESG, Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, stressed that quality infrastructure is vital for reducing business costs, widening market access, and generating jobs across various sectors.

According to the statement, persistent weaknesses in transport, energy, water, and digital connectivity continue to limit productivity and discourage private sector involvement.

“A well-developed infrastructure system is essential for lowering the cost of doing business, expanding market access, and creating jobs. In Nigeria, inadequate infrastructure in transport, energy, water, and digital connectivity has constrained productivity and discouraged private sector participation,” the group said.

NESG further noted that competitive infrastructure enhances industrial productivity, fosters regional trade, and improves the movement of goods, services, and labour. It also strengthens national security and delivers better social outcomes by broadening access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

The summit will examine innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and sustainable technologies to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit. Discussions will be aligned with the country’s long-term development agenda, focusing on building resilient, future-ready systems.

Key areas of engagement will include unlocking private sector capital, advancing reforms to improve project execution, and scaling up investments in climate-smart and digital infrastructure.

The statement also emphasized the need to strengthen institutional capacity in infrastructure planning and governance, urging stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to deliver impactful projects capable of driving economic transformation and social inclusion.