Mapping the Infrastructure Gap: What Needs to be Fixed by Nigeria @ 65

As our country marks 65 years since independence, the conversation about national progress cannot avoid the question of infrastructure. Roads, rail, power supply, water systems and digital connectivity are the backbone of any modern economy. Yet we continue to face a wide gap between what is needed and what exists. This gap affects economic growth, investment, jobs, and even social stability.

Every economy depends on infrastructure to connect people and markets. Nigeria has a population of over 220 million people and is projected to be among the world’s top five most populous nations by 2050. Without reliable power, transport networks, and water supply, productivity suffers and opportunities are lost. Investors consistently point to infrastructure as one of the biggest challenges to doing business in Nigeria. The World Bank has noted that Nigeria loses several percentage points of GDP growth every year due to infrastructure deficits. Closing this gap is not just an economic issue but a national survival strategy.

Roads and transport: the arteries of commerce

Nigeria has an estimated 200,000 kilometers of road network, but less than 20% is paved, and many existing roads are in poor condition. Congestion, potholes, and unsafe highways increase travel times and cost businesses billions of naira annually. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna highway are prime examples where heavy usage and underinvestment collide. Rail projects like the Lagos-Ibadan line have brought some relief, but nationwide coverage is still missing. To fix this gap, consistent funding, public-private partnerships, and transparent project monitoring are essential.

Power supply: the biggest bottleneck

No discussion about infrastructure in Nigeria is complete without power. Despite having huge gas reserves and renewable energy potential, Nigeria generates less than 5,000 megawatts of electricity for the grid on most days. This is woefully inadequate for an economy of its size. Businesses rely heavily on diesel generators, which increase costs and reduce competitiveness. The recent bailout packages for power companies and the government’s push for renewable energy provide some hope, but structural reforms in transmission and distribution remain critical. Stable and affordable power is one of the most urgent infrastructure fixes Nigeria must achieve.

Water and sanitation: the hidden crisis

While roads and power often dominate headlines, water and sanitation infrastructure also lag behind. Millions of Nigerians still lack access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation services. This has direct consequences for public health and productivity. The infrastructure gap here is less about mega projects and more about community-level systems that can deliver consistent water supply and sewage management. At 65, Nigeria must prioritize investments in this area if it wants to improve living standards and reduce preventable diseases.

Digital connectivity: the new frontier

The digital economy is becoming a major driver of growth globally, and Nigeria has shown strong potential with its booming tech and startup ecosystem. Yet internet penetration is uneven, broadband costs remain high, and rural areas are often left behind. Investments in fiber optic cables, data centers, and nationwide 4G and 5G coverage will help close this digital divide. For young Nigerians, many of whom rely on online platforms for education, jobs, and entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure could be the most transformative investment of all.

As Nigeria reflects on 65 years of independence, the infrastructure question is both a challenge and an opportunity. Fixing roads, expanding rail networks, stabilizing power, improving water systems, and building digital connectivity will determine whether Nigeria can harness its demographic and economic potential. The country has the resources, both natural and human, to bridge the gap. What it needs is the political will, consistent policies, and strong partnerships between government, private investors, and communities.