The Nigerian Economic Summit Group has highlighted that Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps are a significant obstacle to economic growth, constraining productivity and deterring investment.

Ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31), set for October 6–8, 2025, the event will focus on “Building Infrastructure for Competitiveness,” emphasizing the pivotal role of infrastructure in boosting economic efficiency, attracting investment, and improving citizens’ quality of life.

In a Thursday statement, the acting Head of Strategic Communication & Advocacy at NESG,
Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, stressed that robust infrastructure is vital for reducing business costs, broadening market access, and creating jobs across multiple sectors.

He noted, however, that Nigeria’s infrastructure shortfalls—especially in transportation, energy, water, and digital connectivity—remain major barriers to productivity and private sector engagement.

The statement read, “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 highlighted that competitive infrastructure is key to enhancing industrial productivity, promoting regional trade, and improving the movement of goods, services, and labor.

The statement also noted that upgrading infrastructure can bolster national security and improve access to essential services like healthcare and education.

At the summit, NESG plans to tackle these infrastructure gaps and explore solutions to 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.

The group added that discussions at NES #31 will align with Nigeria’s broader development objectives, emphasizing the implementation of resilient, future-ready infrastructure systems.

NESG stated that the summit will examine strategies to mobilize private sector capital and expertise for infrastructure projects, leverage reforms to enhance project execution, and encourage investment in climate-smart and digital infrastructure.