FG earmarks N2.47trn for 124 road projects in 2026 budget

The Federal Government has allocated N2.47 trillion in the 2026 budget for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 124 roads across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve transport infrastructure, boost trade and support economic growth.

An analysis of the 2026 Appropriation Bill shows that the projects are spread across the country’s six geopolitical zones, targeting strategic highways that link commercial centres, farming communities, industrial hubs and border corridors.

Among the major allocations is N23.6 billion for the dualisation of the Kano–Katsina Road, a key trade route connecting northern commercial centres and facilitating cross-border commerce with the Niger Republic.

The government also budgeted N19.6 billion for Sections III and IV of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Road, while N12.6 billion was earmarked for the rehabilitation and construction of the Abuja–Lokoja Road, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways linking the North and South.

A further N13.3 billion will fund the dualisation of the 105-kilometre Borno–Kano Road to improve the movement of agricultural produce from Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Bauchi states to Kano.

Other projects include N25.2 billion for the Ota–Idiroko Road, N17.8 billion for the Benin–Akure–Ilesha Road, N14 billion for the Kano Bypass, N12.6 billion for the Onitsha–Owerri Road, N7.7 billion for the Aba–Owerri–Ikot Ekpene Road, N7 billion for the Kano–Dayi Road, and N6.3 billion for the FCET New Site–Bagwai–Gwarzo Road in Kano.

The budget also provides funding for the Gbagi–Apa–Owode Road in Badagry, the Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, rural feeder roads in Kwara State, repairs to the Ikorodu–Shagamu Road and Iganmu Bridge in Lagos, and access roads to the Second Niger Bridge.

Emerging markets analyst Ike Ibeabuchi said investments in critical road infrastructure would strengthen agricultural value chains, lower logistics costs and improve domestic and cross-border trade.

However, consultant economist Chukwunonso Iheoma expressed concerns over implementation, noting that delays in previous budget releases could limit the execution of the projects.

Nigeria’s infrastructure stock is estimated at between 30 and 35 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, well below the World Bank’s recommended benchmark of 70 per cent for developing economies.

Experts say sustained investment and timely budget implementation will be critical to narrowing the country’s infrastructure deficit.