The Federal Government has allocated N2.47 trillion in the 2026 budget for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 124 roads across the country. The projects cut across northern and southern Nigeria and target major transport corridors that support agriculture, trade and the movement of goods.
Abuja-Lokoja, Enugu-Port Harcourt roads top priority
Among the major projects is the Abuja-Lokoja Road, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways linking the North and the South. The government has earmarked N12.6 billion for its rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Another priority is the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, which connects the South-East with the South-South. The government has budgeted N19.6 billion for Sections III and IV of the project. The 105-kilometre Kano-Borno Road also received N13.3 billion for dualisation to improve the movement of agricultural produce from Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Bauchi states into Kano.
More strategic roads receive funding
The 2026 budget also provides N23.6 billion for the dualisation of the Kano-Katsina Road, a major commercial route linking northern Nigeria with neighbouring Niger Republic. Similarly, the government allocated N25.2 billion for the construction of the four sections of the Ota-Idiroko Road.
Other projects include N17.8 billion for the dualisation of the Benin-Akure-Ilesha Road and N12.6 billion for the rehabilitation of the Onitsha-Owerri Road. The government also set aside N7.7 billion for the Aba-Owerri-Ikot Ekpene Road, while the Badagry Gbagi-Apa-Owode Road will receive N4.2 billion.
Lagos, Ekiti, Kano, Taraba projects included
In Lagos, the government budgeted N1.4 billion for the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Shagamu Road and another N1.4 billion for repairs on Iganmu Bridge. The Second Niger Bridge access roads linking Onitsha and Asaba will receive N1.4 billion. The budget also includes N7 billion for the Kano-Dayi Road, N6.3 billion for the FCET New Site-Bagwai-Gwarzo Road in Kano and N4.2 billion for the rehabilitation of the Kunya-Kanya-Barbura-Mutum Road in Jigawa State.
In addition, the government allocated N4.2 billion for the construction of the Ibi Bridge in Taraba State and N3.5 billion for the upgrade of the Ekiti Cargo Airport.
Experts highlight economic benefits
Emerging markets analyst Ike Ibeabuchi said better road infrastructure would reduce logistics costs and strengthen agriculture and cross-border trade. He noted that roads linking farming communities to major commercial centres would improve market access for agricultural produce and support economic growth.
Economists raise implementation concerns
Despite the large allocation, some experts questioned whether the government would fully implement the projects. Consultant economist Chukwunonso Iheoma said previous budgets had suffered from poor implementation and delayed releases.
According to him, the success of the projects will depend on how much of the approved funds the government eventually releases for execution. He warned that inadequate implementation could deny the country another opportunity to improve its infrastructure and boost economic competitiveness.
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