FG Budgets N2.47tn For 124 Strategic Road Projects In 2026

The Federal Government has earmarked N2.47 trillion in the 2026 Appropriation Bill for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of 124 strategic road projects across the country as part of efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

An analysis of the 2026 budget shows that the projects are spread across the six geopolitical zones, with priority given to key economic corridors that support agriculture, commerce and the movement of goods.

Among the major projects is the dualisation of the 105-kilometre Borno-Kano Road, which received an allocation of N13.3 billion to enhance the movement of agricultural produce from Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Bauchi states to Kano.

The Abuja-Lokoja Road, a major gateway linking northern and southern Nigeria, will receive N12.6 billion for construction and rehabilitation works, while Sections III and IV of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road have been allocated N19.6 billion to improve connectivity between the South-East and South-South.

The budget also provides N4.2 billion for the rehabilitation of the 30.6-kilometre Gbagi-Apa-Owode Road in Badagry, Lagos State, aimed at improving access to the Seme border and facilitating cross-border trade with the Republic of Benin.

In addition, N1.4 billion has been earmarked for access roads connecting the Second Niger Bridge to Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State.

Other notable allocations include N23.6 billion for the dualisation of the Kano-Katsina Road, N7.7 billion for the Aba-Owerri-Ikot Ekpene Road, N1.4 billion for the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Shagamu Road, and another N1.4 billion for repairs on the Iganmu Bridge in Lagos.

The government also budgeted N25.2 billion for the construction of the four sections of the Ota-Idiroko Road, N17.8 billion for the dualisation of the Benin-Akure-Ijesha Road, N14 billion for the Kano Bypass, and N12.6 billion for the rehabilitation of the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Other projects captured in the budget include the Abeokuta-Ibooro Road, Kano-Dayi Road, Kunya-Kanya-Barbura-Mutum Road in Jigawa State, FCET New Site-Bagwai-Gwarzo Road in Kano, Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, rural feeder roads in Kwara State and the rehabilitation of road washout sections in Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom states.

Beyond roads, the budget allocates N3.5 billion for the upgrade of the Ekiti Cargo Airport.

Economic analysts say improved road infrastructure could lower logistics costs, expand market access and boost trade across the country.

An emerging markets analyst, Ike Ibeabuchi, noted that investments in strategic highways such as the Kano-Katsina Road would strengthen domestic and cross-border trade, particularly for agricultural commodities.

However, economist Chukwunonso Iheoma expressed concerns over budget implementation, warning that funding releases have remained a major challenge.

According to him, the success of the projects will depend not on the size of the allocations but on the timely release of funds, noting that delays in implementing previous budgets could undermine the government’s infrastructure targets.

Nigeria’s infrastructure stock is estimated at between 30 and 35 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, significantly below the World Bank’s recommended benchmark of 70 per cent for emerging economies. Experts have consistently stressed that sustained investment and effective implementation are critical to bridging the country’s infrastructure deficit and supporting long-term economic growth.