The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has raised fresh concerns over the country’s growing infrastructure gaps, warning that poor facilities in transport, power, water, and digital connectivity are stifling productivity, discouraging private investment, and slowing overall economic growth.
Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits concern comes ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31), scheduled for October 6–8, 2025, in Abuja, with the theme “Building Infrastructure for Competitiveness.”
The forum will bring together policymakers, investors, and development partners to deliberate on solutions for bridging Nigeria’s long-standing infrastructure deficits.
In a statement signed by the Acting Head of Strategic Communication and Advocacy, Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, the NESG emphasized that infrastructure is a critical driver of competitiveness and inclusive growth.
The group argued that without efficient roads, reliable power supply, adequate water systems, and robust digital networks, Nigeria risks losing its edge in attracting both local and foreign investments.
“A well-developed infrastructure system is essential for reducing the cost of doing business, expanding market access, and stimulating job creation across sectors,” the statement read.
“In Nigeria, inadequate infrastructure in areas such as transport, energy, water, and digital connectivity has constrained productivity and discouraged private sector participation.”
Experts estimate that Nigeria needs over $100 billion annually for the next decade to close its infrastructure gap.
However, current government spending and private sector contributions fall far below this benchmark.
The consequences are evident in persistent power outages, dilapidated roads, congested ports, and underdeveloped rail networks, which increase the cost of doing business.
The NESG noted that poor infrastructure has reduced the competitiveness of Nigerian industries, making it difficult for local businesses to scale and for foreign investors to commit to large-scale projects.
Manufacturing and agriculture, two key sectors with strong growth potential, have been particularly affected by high logistics costs and unreliable energy supply.
According to the NESG, addressing infrastructure deficits goes beyond boosting investment; it is also central to enhancing social outcomes such as education, healthcare delivery, and national security.
For example, rural communities continue to face poor access to hospitals and schools due to bad roads, while weak power supply affects the effectiveness of health facilities and learning environments.
The group also linked infrastructure competitiveness to regional trade opportunities, noting that better transport and logistics systems would improve the movement of goods and services across the West African sub-region.
The 2025 Summit is expected to focus on innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and climate-smart technologies as strategies to close the infrastructure gap.
The NESG said discussions will align with Nigeria’s broader development goals and the government’s ambition to attract more private capital into infrastructure projects.
Particular attention will be given to:
Unlocking private sector expertise in infrastructure delivery
Strengthening institutional capacity for project planning and governance
Promoting investments in renewable energy and digital infrastructure
Encouraging sustainable financing and green infrastructure solutions
The NESG reiterated that bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit requires a joint effort between government, private sector, and development partners.
It urged policymakers to create an enabling environment that guarantees investor confidence, improves project execution timelines, and ensures transparency in infrastructure financing.
“Infrastructure competitiveness boosts industrial productivity, facilitates regional trade, and enhances the mobility of goods, services, and labour.
It also strengthens national security and improves social outcomes,” the group stressed.
The summit is expected to produce actionable policy recommendations that could help reposition Nigeria as a competitive economy in Africa and globally.
With Nigeria facing rising unemployment, slow industrialization, and declining foreign direct investment, experts say that the outcomes of NES #31 will be critical in shaping the country’s development trajectory over the next decade.