Works Minister Defends ₦3.24 Trillion Budget, Prioritizes “Legacy Roads”

February 11, 2026 — The Minister of Works has stepped forward to defend the ministry’s 2025 budget proposal, outlining an ambitious ₦3.24 trillion capital expenditure plan designed to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape through “legacy” road projects.

During a budget defense session with the National Assembly, the Minister emphasized that the requested funding is not just a figure on paper but a strategic investment aimed at completing massive, high-impact highway projects that span multiple regions.

Strategic Focus: The “Legacy” Projects
The centerpiece of the 2025 plan is the continued development of several critical corridors. The Minister noted that these routes are essential for boosting economic connectivity and reducing travel times across the federation. Key focus areas include:

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: A signature project intended to unlock the economic potential of the nation’s coastline.

Badagry-Sokoto Expressway: Connecting the Southwest to the North, aimed at facilitating cross-border trade.

Trans-Saharan Routes: Ensuring that Nigeria’s internal road network integrates effectively with regional trade hubs.

Addressing the Funding Gap
While the ₦3.24 trillion figure is substantial, the Minister was candid about the challenges. He acknowledged that the sheer scale of Nigeria’s road infrastructure deficit requires aggressive funding to move past the “patchwork” approach of previous years.

“Our goal is to move away from fragmented projects and focus on completing these legacy roads that will stand the test of time and truly drive our economy forward,” the Minister stated.

Accountability and Execution
To ensure the budget translates into physical asphalt, the Ministry has pledged:

Strict Oversight: Improved monitoring of contractors to prevent project abandonment.

Efficient Fund Allocation: Prioritizing projects that are nearing completion to ensure immediate public benefit.

Transparency: Regular updates on the milestone achievements of the legacy corridors.

Legislators, while acknowledging the necessity of the projects, raised questions regarding the source of funding and the timeline for completion, given the current economic climate.