Imagine a Nigeria where power is reliable, roads are smooth, and ports are bustling with efficiency – a Nigeria where economic opportunities abound and citizens thrive. This vision can be a reality with robust infrastructure development, the bedrock upon which the country’s economic growth and development are built.
Infrastructure development encompasses the construction and maintenance of physical structures such as roads, bridges, power supply, and transportation systems that facilitate economic activity and improve the quality of life for citizens. In Nigeria, infrastructure development plays a vital role in driving economic growth and development, but the country’s infrastructure deficit is a significant challenge that hampers economic progress. The estimated $100 billion infrastructure deficit in Nigeria underscores the need for urgent action to address this challenge.
The Federal Government has shown commitment to addressing this deficit. The 2025 Federal Budget allocated ₦4.06 trillion ($2.7 billion) for infrastructure, representing 7.4% of total spending. The National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) aims to increase infrastructure stock to 70% of GDP by 2043. Pension funds invested ₦262.567 billion in infrastructure in 10M’25, a 48.1% year-on-year increase. As part-of-speech tagging, the government has initiated key projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
According to Dr. Justin Yifu Lin, a renowned economist, “Infrastructure development is a key driver of economic growth and development, and it requires a coordinated effort from government, private sector, and civil society to achieve sustainable development.” One potential solution to Nigeria’s infrastructure challenge is public-private partnerships (PPPs). PPPs can leverage funding, expertise, and resources from the private sector to drive infrastructure development.
“The quality of infrastructure is a key determinant of a country’s competitiveness,” says José Luis Guajardo, Director of Infrastructure at the World Economic Forum. “Nigeria’s focus on PPPs and infrastructure investment is a step in the right direction.”
“Nigeria’s vast natural resources, cultural diversity, and teeming population are assets that can drive economic growth,” says Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Finance Minister of Nigeria. “Investing in infrastructure is key to unlocking these potentials.”
The benefits of PPPs in infrastructure development are numerous. For instance, PPPs can enhance efficiency and innovation, provide access to capital, and mitigate financial and operational risks associated with complex infrastructure projects. By collaborating with the government on infrastructure projects, private sector stakeholders can gain new business opportunities, improve their brand reputation, and develop new skills and expertise. This collaboration can also help private sector companies to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and improve their competitiveness in the market.
Several countries have made significant progress in addressing their infrastructure deficits and achieving sustainable development. South Korea’s investment in infrastructure has enabled the country to become a major player in the global technology industry. Rwanda’s investment in infrastructure has improved the country’s business environment and attracted foreign investment. Singapore’s investment in infrastructure has enabled the country to become one of the most competitive economies in the world. China’s investment in infrastructure has driven economic growth and development, and lifted millions of people out of poverty.
Investment in infrastructure can have numerous benefits for Nigeria’s economy and citizens. For instance, every dollar invested in infrastructure generates about 3-4 times more jobs than the same amount invested in other sectors, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). Infrastructure development can also improve access to essential services like transportation, healthcare, and education, enhancing the overall quality of life for citizens. Nigeria’s tourism potential, with attractions like the ancient city of Kano, the Rock of Zuma, and the beautiful beaches of Lagos, can also be boosted with better infrastructure.
As Nigeria charts its path to sustainable economic growth, investing in infrastructure is not just an option – it’s an imperative. With a long-term vision, coordinated efforts, and a commitment to transparency, Nigeria can transform its infrastructure landscape, unlock economic potential, and improve the lives of millions. As Aart Kraay, a World Bank economist, noted, “Infrastructure development is critical to economic growth and development, and it requires a long-term vision and commitment to achieve sustainable development.”
To achieve this vision, stakeholders must prioritize infrastructure development, foster collaboration between government and private sector, ensure transparency in project implementation, and establish an infrastructure development fund to mobilize resources and ensure timely completion of projects.
Mohammed Manga (Information and Public Relations Analyst)
February 14, 2026
