The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has said that infrastructure deficits constitute a major barrier to the economic growth, high productivity and discourages investments.
This warning is coming ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31), scheduled for October 6–8, 2025.
The statement by the acting Head of Strategic Communication & Advocacy at NESG, Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, said that the event would explore “Building Infrastructure for Competitiveness” and underline the crucial role that infrastructure plays in improving economic efficiency, attracting investment and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
The NESG emphasised that well-developed infrastructure is essential to lowering the cost of doing business, expanding market access, and generating job opportunities across various sectors.
It noted, however, that Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits, particularly in transportation, energy, water, and digital connectivity, have been significant obstacles to productivity and private sector participation.
“A well-developed infrastructure system is essential for reducing the cost of doing business, expanding market access, and stimulating job creation across sectors. In Nigeria, inadequate infrastructure in areas such as transport, energy, water, and digital connectivity has constrained productivity and discouraged private sector participation,” the statement said.
The statement noted that infrastructure competitiveness is necessary to boost industrial productivity, facilitate regional trade, and improve the mobility of goods, services, and labour.
According to the NESG, improving infrastructure can strengthen national security and enhance access to crucial services such as healthcare and education.
“The NESG aims to address these infrastructure deficits at the summit and explore solutions that will help unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
“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 by expanding access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
“The summit will provide a platform to explore innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and sustainable technologies to close the infrastructure gap,” the statement added.
GIK/APA