The Nigerian Constitution mandates the government at all levels—federal, state, and local—to provide and maintain road infrastructure that supports economic development and social welfare.
Roads are essential for national prosperity, balanced economic growth, and connectivity across regions.
The federal government has committed over N2.5 trillion in 2025 alone towards road infrastructure projects, including major highways like Lagos-Calabar and Badagry-Sokoto, as part of a broader agenda to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Despite these commitments, many federal roads remain in poor condition, especially ahead of rainy seasons, causing economic losses, increased vehicle operating costs, and accidents.
About 63% of Nigeria’s 200,000 km road network is untarred or in disrepair, affecting mobility and economic activities.
Local governments own the majority of roads (about two-thirds) but face financial and technical constraints, limiting their ability to maintain and expand these roads.
This affects rural and grassroots connectivity, which is critical for agriculture, health, and education services.
Good roads reduce travel time, vehicle wear and tear, transport costs, and food prices, while enhancing security and attracting tourism and investment.
Poor roads, conversely, hinder economic growth, costing billions in lost productivity annually.
Some recent road projects have raised concerns due to their extremely high costs per kilometer, which exceed regional and global benchmarks.
This raises questions about fiscal sustainability and the need for transparency and public accountability in road infrastructure spending.
In summary, Nigerians have a right to expect good roads as a fundamental infrastructure that supports their daily lives and the nation’s development.
While the government has made significant financial commitments, persistent challenges in maintenance, funding at local levels, and project management must be addressed to fulfill this right effectively.