FG Releases Just 4.9% of N54.93tn Road Budget as Funding Gaps Threaten Key Highway Projects
Despite allocating a massive N54.93 trillion for road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance projects between 2023 and April 2026, the Federal Government has released only N2.68 trillion, representing less than five per cent of the approved budget. Data obtained from the Open Treasury Portal revealed a widening gap between budgetary promises and actual funding, raising fresh concerns about the pace of infrastructure development across the country.
The figures show that while road infrastructure remains a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, financing challenges continue to hinder project execution. In 2023, the government released N631.51 billion out of a N2.53 trillion allocation, achieving an implementation rate of nearly 25 per cent. However, the trend worsened in subsequent years, with releases dropping to 8.36 per cent in 2024 and 9.29 per cent in 2025 despite increased budgetary provisions.
The most striking gap emerged in 2026. As of April, the government had earmarked N35.79 trillion for road projects—the highest allocation within the four-year period—but released only N597.08 billion, representing just 1.67 per cent of the approved budget. Road construction projects received the largest share of allocations, reflecting the administration’s commitment to major highways and strategic transport corridors designed to boost connectivity and economic growth.
Several flagship projects are currently underway, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway. However, funding shortfalls continue to slow progress. Minister of Works David Umahi recently disclosed that the ministry inherited more than 2,000 ongoing projects in 2023 and is grappling with contractor debts estimated at N2.2 trillion for certified works executed between 2024 and 2025.
Analysts say the growing disparity between approved budgets and actual releases could undermine the government’s infrastructure ambitions if not addressed. While budget allocations have expanded significantly over the years, the success of Nigeria’s road development strategy will depend on timely funding and efficient project execution. Without improved cash releases, many of the nation’s critical road projects may struggle to deliver their promised economic benefits.
source: punch