Fifteen Nigerian states are set to invest more than N10 trillion in infrastructure this year, marking a major push to upgrade roads, schools, hospitals, and public utilities. Analysis of the 2026 budgets by The PUNCH shows that states including Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Anambra, Kano, Imo, Yobe, Ebonyi, Oyo, Kaduna, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Plateau have prioritized capital expenditure to stimulate economic growth and enhance public services.
Governors across the states presented their budgets between November 2025 and January 2026, with approved allocations focusing heavily on development projects. The aim is not only to improve physical infrastructure but also to boost human capital and strengthen regional economies. Experts note that the impact will depend on how efficiently these funds are executed.
South-East states are leading in infrastructure prioritization. Ebonyi plans to allocate N749.49bn, representing 84.7% of its total budget, while Imo has earmarked N1.2tn, about 83.4% of its budget, for capital projects. Enugu will spend N1.29tn, or 80%, on roads, schools, and hospitals, with Anambra and Akwa Ibom allocating 77.7% and 73.7% of their budgets, respectively, for development projects.
Northern and South-Western states also show significant investment plans. Yobe and Oyo will spend 56.6% of their budgets on infrastructure, while Osun and Ekiti plan 55% and 46.6%, respectively. Lagos, despite having the largest budget of N4.237tn, will dedicate 29.2% to capital projects, balancing infrastructure with recurrent spending. Other states, including Kaduna, Edo, Kano, Plateau, and Ondo, have allocated between 57% and 71% of their budgets to development initiatives.
Economists emphasize that for these allocations to translate into real progress, governors must leverage local resources and foster public-private partnerships. “Fiscal sustainability will come from productive local economies, broader tax bases, disciplined spending, and smarter collaboration,” said Dr. Ayodeji Ebo, Managing Director of Optimus by Afrinvest. Effective execution, investment in comparative advantages, and regional cooperation could ensure that Nigeria’s chronic infrastructure gaps are meaningfully addressed.
source: punch