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 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.The 2026 budget proposal is expected to undergo legislative scrutiny in the coming weeks, with lawmakers likely to interrogate project prioritisation, regional balance, and the capacity of the ministry to deliver on its expanded road works programme.
Index to Nigerian Newspapers
