Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. Roads, energy, water systems, digital connectivity, and public facilities enable trade, reduce costs, and expand opportunities. Yet in Nigeria, and particularly in the South-East, weak infrastructure continues to slow productivity and discourage investment. Governments alone cannot shoulder the financial and technical burden of building and maintaining infrastructure. This is where collaboration between the public and private sectors becomes not just important, but essential.
Why Infrastructure Matters for Businesses
Without reliable infrastructure, businesses face higher operating costs, limited access to markets, and reduced competitiveness. For SMEs in the South-East, poor roads increase transport costs, power outages disrupt operations, and limited broadband connectivity slows digital adoption. Research consistently shows that every 1% increase in infrastructure investment can yield significant GDP growth by improving efficiency, lowering trade barriers, and attracting investment.
Why Government Cannot Do It Alone
Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap is estimated at over $100 billion. Public budgets are already stretched by competing priorities like education, healthcare, and security. Beyond finance, governments also face challenges in project execution, transparency, and technical capacity. Relying solely on state-led solutions risks further delays, abandoned projects, and wasted resources.
The Case for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Partnerships between government and business can combine resources, expertise, and accountability. Under PPPs, the private sector contributes capital and management efficiency, while government provides regulatory backing and public oversight. Examples globally and locally show that PPPs can deliver better outcomes than either party working alone.
- Finance: Businesses bring in long-term capital through equity and debt, reducing strain on public budgets.
- Efficiency: Private operators often deliver projects faster and with greater cost control.
- Innovation: Companies bring technology and new models (e.g., renewable energy microgrids, toll-based road maintenance).
- Sustainability: Shared responsibility improves accountability and ensures long-term maintenance.
Partnership Models that Work
- Concession Agreements: Private companies build and operate infrastructure (roads, power plants, ICT) while recovering costs through user fees or agreed revenue-sharing.
- Joint Investments: Businesses and government co-fund projects, such as industrial parks, power supply systems, or logistics hubs.
- Community-Led Partnerships: Local business associations collaborate with state governments to maintain roads, schools, or healthcare facilities.
- Technology Partnerships: Private tech firms partner with government to expand digital infrastructure like broadband and e-governance platforms.
WATO’s Role in Infrastructure Advocacy
WATO recognizes that sustainable infrastructure is central to economic transformation. Its roadmap prioritizes:
- Infrastructure Collaboration: Building PPPs with state and federal governments to address critical needs like roads, power supply, and drainage systems.
- Infrastructure Task Force: A dedicated team within WATO to assess needs, propose solutions, and monitor outcomes.
- Policy Advocacy: Working with business coalitions to push for pro-business infrastructure policies and regulatory reforms.
- Business Inclusion: Ensuring SMEs and local enterprises are not excluded from large-scale projects but are integrated into supply chains.
How South-East Businesses Can Engage
- Organize Collectively: Through platforms like WATO, business owners can negotiate stronger partnerships with government.
- Invest Locally: Entrepreneurs can co-invest in community infrastructure (markets, rural roads, power projects).
- Adopt Accountability Models: Transparent monitoring, reporting, and citizen engagement can reduce corruption and project abandonment.
- Leverage Technology: Using digital platforms for project management and funding (crowdfunding, blockchain tracking) increases trust and efficiency.
Conclusion
Infrastructure cannot be left to government alone. Nor can the private sector thrive without public systems that lower costs and connect markets. Sustainable infrastructure in the South-East will come from synergy between government vision and private sector execution. Platforms like WATO are designed to bring both sides to the table, ensuring that roads are built, power is reliable, and digital networks are expanded — not as political favors, but as foundations for long-term prosperity.
If government and business leaders commit to genuine partnership, the South-East can unlock an era of inclusive growth where infrastructure supports, rather than hinders, enterprise and innovation.
