Nigeria’s infrastructure growth key to West Africa’s economic future

2026-03-13 - 05:46

Leading organiser of face-to-face events, DMG Events, has said because Nigeria plays a central role in West Africa’s economy, its infrastructure development has significant regional implications. Currently, Nigeria’s infrastructure stock stands at just 30 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, far below the 70 per cent benchmark recommended for middle-income economies. According to the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers, NIHTE, addressing this gap requires not only increased funding but also substantial reforms in project selection, implementation approaches and asset management practices. Likewise, DMG Events said as Nigeria enters a phase where infrastructure ambitions are increasingly translating into project delivery across transport networks, power systems, digital infrastructure, water management, and urban development, government authorities, investors, contractors and technical specialists need to come together to examine the development. DMG said the West Africa Infrastructure Expo would bring together stakeholders involved in planning, financing, and delivering infrastructure projects across Nigeria and the wider West African market from April 7 to 9, 2026. At the event, over 35 exhibiting companies from countries including Austria, China, Ghana, India and the UAE and an expected 2,000 attendees, West Africa Infrastructure Expo will convene decision-makers across the infrastructure value chain, including regulators, engineering firms, project managers, consultants, technology providers and development finance institutions. Commenting on the inaugural edition, Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events, said: “Nigeria plays a central role in West Africa’s economic landscape and its infrastructure development has significant regional implications. West Africa Infrastructure Expo creates a focused environment where stakeholders involved in planning, financing and delivering infrastructure projects can engage directly, exchange knowledge and examine opportunities supporting long-term delivery across the region.” Meanwhile, West Africa and Nigeria Country Director, Turner & Townsend, Silver Sponsor at West Africa Infrastructure Expo, Gerald Madondo, said: “Nigeria’s infrastructure sector is evolving rapidly, with significant opportunities in energy, transport and urban development reshaping the country’s ambitions. As this momentum builds, delivering projects that are investable, commercially resilient and capable of creating long-term value is essential. Drawing on our work across West Africa’s major projects, we recognize the importance of an event where government, policymakers and delivery partners can align priorities. As the Silver Sponsor of the West Africa Infrastructure Expo, we are pleased to support a platform that promotes meaningful outcomes.” Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, will headline the award. He will outline Nigeria’s next decade of infrastructure growth through a ministerial keynote. The Summit will be chaired by Engr Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, who will guide the day’s discussion and provide insights into Nigeria’s infrastructure progress, key challenges and the summit’s objectives, reinforcing the critical role engineers play in delivering the nation’s infrastructure.