By Isaac Mission
The Federal Government has proposed a massive investment of N2.47 trillion in the 2026 budget to rehabilitate and reconstruct 124 strategic roads across Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure, improve trade and stimulate economic growth.
An examination of the budget shows that the projects are spread across the country’s six geopolitical zones, with priority given to major highways and economic corridors that facilitate the movement of people, agricultural produce and goods.
One of the major projects is the 105-kilometre Borno-Kano Road, which has been allocated N13.3 billion for dualisation. The road is expected to improve access between farming communities in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Bauchi states and the commercial markets in Kano.
The Lokoja-Abuja Highway, a vital route connecting northern and southern Nigeria, will also receive N12.6 billion for construction and rehabilitation across two sections.
In the South-East, the government has earmarked N19.6 billion for Sections III and IV of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, a major highway linking the South-East and South-South regions while supporting industrial and commercial activities.
Cross-border trade is also expected to benefit from the planned rehabilitation of the 30.6-kilometre Gbagi-Apa-Owode Road in Badagry, Lagos State. The project, connecting communities to the Seme border with the Republic of Benin, has a budget of N4.2 billion.
The government has further allocated N1.4 billion for the construction of access roads linking the Second Niger Bridge to Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State.
Another major allocation is N23.6 billion for the dualisation of the Kano-Katsina Road, an important commercial highway that also serves as a gateway to the Niger Republic.
Emerging markets analyst Ike Ibeabuchi said improved road infrastructure would significantly reduce transportation costs, strengthen domestic and cross-border trade, and provide farmers with easier access to markets.
The Aba-Owerri-Ikot Ekpene Road, which links commercial and industrial centres across Abia, Imo and Akwa Ibom states, is expected to receive N7.7 billion, a move seen as beneficial to businesses, including Aba’s renowned manufacturing sector.
In Lagos, the Federal Government has proposed N1.4 billion each for the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Shagamu Road and the repair of Iganmu Bridge, projects expected to ease traffic and improve access to the Lagos port corridor.
The budget also includes N1.75 billion for rural feeder roads in Kwara State to improve access between farming communities, markets and processing centres, reducing post-harvest losses.
Other notable projects include:
- N3.5 billion for the upgrade of Ekiti Cargo Airport.
- N7 billion for the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ibooro Road.
- N4.2 billion for the construction of Ibi Bridge in Taraba State.
- N7 billion for the Kano-Dayi Road serving agricultural communities.
- N4.2 billion for the rehabilitation of the Kunya-Kanya-Barbura-Mutum Road in Jigawa State.
- N6.3 billion for the rehabilitation of the FCET New Site-Bagwai-Gwarzo Road in Kano.
- N25.2 billion for the construction of the Ota-Idiroko Road across four sections.
- N3.5 billion for the dualisation of the Bende-Ohafia Road, including four bridges.
- N3.5 billion for rehabilitation works linking communities across Kogi and Ekiti states.
- N7 billion for repairing flood-damaged road sections in Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom states.
- N17.8 billion for the dualisation of the Benin-Akure-Ilesha Road.
- N14 billion for the Kano Bypass.
- N12.6 billion for the rehabilitation of the Onitsha-Owerri Road.
Experts believe that successful execution of the projects could significantly improve Nigeria’s infrastructure stock, which is currently estimated at between 30 and 35 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—well below the 70 per cent benchmark recommended by the World Bank for developing economies.
However, concerns remain over implementation. Economic analyst Chukwunonso Iheoma questioned whether the budgeted funds would be fully released, noting that delays in implementing previous budgets continue to affect infrastructure delivery.
He argued that while the proposed allocations are encouraging, the real challenge lies in timely funding and execution, warning that inadequate implementation could prevent the projects from delivering their intended economic benefits.
