Federal roads spending soars 489% to N3.23tn

The Federal Government has proposed spending N3.23tn on the construction and rehabilitation of federal roads in the 2026 budget, marking a sharp increase in capital allocation to the transport sector as it intensifies efforts to complete long-delayed highways and repair critical corridors nationwide.

The proposed spending represents an increase of about 489 per cent in two years compared to N548.56bn allocated to road projects in the 2024 budget, highlighting a significant shift in fiscal priority towards road infrastructure.

Budgetary documents further show that the Ministry of Works received N1.013tn for the construction and rehabilitation of 468 federal roads in the 2025 budget, up from the 2024 allocation.

The proposed 2026 figure more than triples the 2025 provision, underscoring the government’s renewed commitment to accelerate the delivery of inherited projects and flagship highway developments nationwide.

The government has repeatedly said improved road infrastructure is critical to lowering transport costs, boosting trade, and supporting economic growth, amid rising concerns over the state of key federal highways.

A review of the proposed 2026 budget estimates presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu and released by the Budget Office revealed that the government has proposed to spend N1.39tn on the construction and provision of roads and N285.62bn on rehabilitation and repair works in the 2026 fiscal year, according to details of the Ministry of Works’ capital budget proposal.

In addition, N1.56tn has been earmarked for the construction and provision of infrastructure. The ministry also has a total capital budget envelope spending of N3.24tn.