FG Targets Major Road Projects to Boost Trade and Infrastructure
The Federal Government has outlined several road and infrastructure projects in the 2026 budget as part of efforts to improve connectivity, promote trade and strengthen economic growth across the country.
One of the major projects is the reconstruction of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Road, which will connect the South-East and South-South regions. The project, covering Sections III and IV, is expected to cost ₦19.6 billion and will improve access between key industrial, commercial and logistics centres.
The government also plans to rehabilitate the Gbagi–Apa–Owode Road in Badagry at a cost of ₦4.2 billion. The 30.6-kilometre road links communities in Badagry to the Seme border with the Republic of Benin and is expected to boost cross-border trade while reducing transportation costs.
Another ₦1.4 billion has been allocated for access roads connecting the Second Niger Bridge to Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State.
In northern Nigeria, the Federal Government will spend ₦23.6 billion on the dualisation of the Kano–Katsina Road, a major route that connects two commercial centres and serves as a key trade corridor to neighbouring Niger Republic.
Emerging markets analyst Ike Ibeabuchi said the road would strengthen trade by making it easier for farmers producing crops such as rice, millet, onions, tomatoes and groundnuts to transport their goods to Kano and neighbouring markets.
The government is also investing ₦7.7 billion in the Aba–Owerri–Ikot Ekpene Road, a strategic highway linking Abia, Imo and Akwa Ibom states. The project is expected to support trade and improve access for businesses, including Aba’s thriving shoe industry.
Other projects include:
₦1.4 billion for the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu–Shagamu Road, an alternative route to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
₦1.4 billion to repair Iganmu Bridge in Lagos, a vital link to the Lagos port corridor.
₦1.75 billion for rural feeder roads in Ikirun, Kwara State, to improve access between farming communities and markets.
₦3.5 billion for the upgrade of the Ekiti Cargo Airport.
₦7 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of the Abeokuta–Ibooro Road.
₦4.2 billion for the construction of the Ibi Bridge in Taraba State.
Additional funding has also been proposed for projects across several states, including the Kano–Dayi Road, Kunya–Kanya–Barbura–Mutum Road in Jigawa, the FCET New Site–Bagwai–Gwarzo Road in Kano, the Ota–Idiroko Road, Bende–Ohafia Road, Benin–Akure–Ilesha Road, Kano Bypass, and the rehabilitation of the Onitsha–Owerri Road.
Experts say if the projects are fully implemented, Nigeria’s infrastructure stock could improve significantly. At present, the country’s infrastructure is estimated at just 30 to 35 per cent of GDP, far below the 70 per cent benchmark recommended by the World Bank for developing economies.
Former Minister of Finance Wale Edun has previously estimated Nigeria’s annual infrastructure investment gap at $14 billion, while other reports warn the deficit could rise to between $20 billion and $25 billion by 2035 if investments are not sustained.
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group also noted that poor roads, unreliable electricity and weak logistics continue to increase business costs, discourage investment and reduce Nigeria’s competitiveness.
However, economist Chukwunonso Iheoma questioned whether enough funds would actually be released for the projects.
According to him, the real challenge is not the size of the budget but its implementation.
“It is not just about how much is budgeted, but how much is released. We are still implementing the 2025 budget, so there is no guarantee that even half of the 2026 allocations will be executed,” he said.
