The Federal Government’s proposed allocation for federal roads in the 2026 Appropriation Bill has risen sharply by 489 per cent to N3.23 trillion compared with the 2025 appropriation, according to an analysis of the detailed expenditure framework released by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
The development highlights a significant shift in fiscal emphasis toward transport infrastructure as policymakers seek to address persistent road decay and stimulate economic activity.
The analysis shows that road projects accounted for a substantial share of the capital budget in the 2026 fiscal year, contrasting with previous budgets where allocations to roads were considerably smaller.
The increase comes as part of an overarching drive to prioritise infrastructure — particularly road construction and rehabilitation — across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Under the National Development Plan framework, the government has prioritised strategic corridors linking agro‑processing hubs, industrial zones and major urban centres, officials said.
Roads earmarked for upgrade and expansion include key interstate highways and urban arterial networks designed to facilitate trade, reduce travel time and enhance regional connectivity.
Dr. Olubunmi Adebayo, an infrastructure economist, said the expanded spending reflects ambition to bridge Nigeria’s large infrastructure deficit but cautioned that effective implementation and oversight would be critical.
“Allocating funds is only the first step. What matters most is transparency, accountability and timely project delivery,” Adebayo said, noting that past road projects have frequently been delayed.
The reality of the increased allocation comes amid ongoing public frustration over deteriorating road conditions nationwide, where many commuters face long travel times and elevated transport costs due to poor pavement quality and inadequate maintenance.
Road users have welcomed the proposed increase but emphasised that quality and durability must be assured.
According to the finance ministry’s breakdown, the 2026 budget earmarks funds not only for construction and rehabilitation but also for drainage works, safety enhancements, road signage and post‑construction monitoring.
Officials said these components are aimed at reducing road accidents and improving long‑term serviceability of the nation’s road network.
The hike in allocation has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. Ms. Adeola Okunade, a transport policy researcher, welcomed the shift, calling it a “bold signal” from government that roads are being treated as a priority for economic growth and social mobility.
However, she highlighted that achieving results will depend on institutional capacity and strong anti‑corruption safeguards.
The proposed roads allocation remains subject to National Assembly amendments during budget deliberations, and lawmakers from both urban and rural constituencies have expressed interest in ensuring that projects reflect local development needs and equity in resource distribution.
The surge in federal roads spending is expected to influence various sectors of the economy, potentially lowering logistics costs, expanding market access for agricultural products and supporting job creation in construction and related industries.
Observers say that realising these benefits will hinge on effective implementation of the expanded budget and coordination between federal, state and local authorities.
