Market News

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) is leading efforts to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit as a critical step to unlock the country’s economic potential.

With the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31) scheduled for October 6–8, 2025, the focus is on ‘Building Infrastructure for Competitiveness’ to boost economic efficiency, attract investment, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Under the sub-theme “Building Infrastructure for Competitiveness,” NESG emphasises that infrastructure is more than just physical assets, saying it is the foundation for inclusive growth, economic efficiency, and improved quality of life.

Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, acting head of Strategic Communication & Advocacy at NESG, highlighted the urgency of the matter: “A well-developed infrastructure system is essential for reducing the cost of doing business, expanding market access, and stimulating job creation across sectors.” She noted that Nigeria’s inadequate infrastructure in transport, energy, water, and digital connectivity has held back productivity and discouraged private sector investment.

According to Ayanlowo, “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.” She added that the Summit will explore innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and sustainable technologies to bridge the infrastructure gap and create practical pathways for infrastructure-led development.

The discussions at NES #31 will focus on unlocking capital and private sector expertise, leveraging reforms to improve procurement and project execution, mainstreaming climate-smart and digital infrastructure, strengthening institutional governance, and fostering regional integration across Africa. NESG recognizes that building competitive infrastructure requires collaborative efforts from both public and private sectors. The Summit aims to be a platform that galvanizes these partnerships to drive economic transformation and social inclusion.

Aligned with NESG’s Arc of the Possible Strategy, the focus on infrastructure is a short-term priority for 2025–2026, essential for enhancing Nigeria’s productivity and competitiveness over the medium term, and vital for unlocking long-term structural reforms needed for inclusive prosperity.