Federal Roads Spending Jumps by 489% to ₦3.23 Trillion in 2026 Budget

The Federal Government has proposed a massive ₦3.23 trillion allocation for the construction and rehabilitation of federal roads in the 2026 national budget, reflecting a significant increase in capital expenditure on transport infrastructure. This move signals a renewed determination by the government to address long-standing road challenges, complete inherited highway projects, and restore key transport corridors across the country.

The proposed allocation represents an estimated 489 per cent increase within two years, when compared to the ₦548.56 billion earmarked for federal road projects in the 2024 budget. This sharp rise highlights a major shift in fiscal priorities, with road infrastructure now receiving heightened attention as a catalyst for economic recovery and development.

Budget documents also reveal that the Ministry of Works was allocated ₦1.013 trillion in the 2025 budget for the construction and rehabilitation of 468 federal roads, a notable improvement from the 2024 provision. However, the proposed 2026 allocation more than triples the 2025 figure, underlining the government’s intensified resolve to accelerate project delivery nationwide.

According to official statements, improved road infrastructure remains a critical objective of the current administration, as it seeks to reduce transportation costs, enhance trade efficiency, and support economic growth. These efforts come amid increasing public concern over the deteriorating condition of major federal highways and their impact on safety and commerce.

An examination of the proposed 2026 budget estimates submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu and released by the Budget Office shows that ₦1.39 trillion has been proposed specifically for the construction and provision of roads. Additionally, ₦285.62 billion is allocated for rehabilitation and repair works during the 2026 fiscal year, based on the Ministry of Works’ capital budget proposal.

Beyond road construction and repairs, the government also earmarked ₦1.56 trillion for the development and provision of infrastructure under the ministry’s mandate. In total, the Ministry of Works is projected to manage a capital expenditure envelope of approximately ₦3.24 trillion in 2026.

The administration has reiterated its commitment to completing 2,604 road projects inherited from previous governments, many of which have remained unfinished for years. The proposed budget reflects a strategic attempt to close funding gaps and fast-track delivery timelines.

Under the road construction and reconstruction component of the 2026 proposal, ₦7.7 billion has been allocated for the reconstruction of the Abuja–Lokoja Road (Sections I and II: Zuba–Abaji). An additional ₦4.9 billion is designated for completing outstanding dualised sections of the same route, covering a remaining distance of 86.6 kilometres.

Further allocations along the Abuja–Lokoja corridor include ₦4.2 billion for the reconstruction of the Koton-Karfi–Abaji Road on the Abuja-bound section in Kogi State, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety along the busy axis.

Significant funding has also been proposed for the strategic Kano–Maiduguri Road. The budget outlines ₦13.3 billion for Section I (Kano–Wudil–Shuarin), ₦4.2 billion for Section IV (Potiskum–Damaturu), including rehabilitation of failed portions, and ₦7 billion for Section V (Damaturu–Maiduguri). Additionally, ₦7.01 billion is proposed for the reconstruction of Section III of the Mubi–Maiduguri Road, covering the Madagali–Bama route through Pulka and Gwoza.

The proposed budget further allocates ₦52.5 billion for Phase II of the Kano–Katsina Road dualisation, spanning from KM 74+100 to KM 152+655. Phase I of the same project, which runs from Dawanau Roundabout in Kano to the Katsina State border, is set to receive ₦23.8 billion.

Another ₦6.31 billion has been proposed for the dualisation and reconstruction of Section II of the Kano–Kwanar–Danja–Hadejia Road. Meanwhile, on the Lokoja–Benin Road, the budget includes ₦14 million each for Phase I sections covering Obajana–Okene, Okene–Auchi, Auchi–Ehor, and Ehor–Benin City. An additional ₦14 million is also earmarked for rehabilitation works along the same corridor.

Overall, the 2026 budget proposal reflects an aggressive push by the Federal Government to revitalise Nigeria’s road infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and stimulate economic activities across regions through improved transportation networks.