By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Minister of State for Works and supervising Minister for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has assured Nigerians of improved road maintenance and safety across the federal road network.
Goronyo made this statement during a familiarization tour of FERMA Headquarters on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
He emphasized that Nigerians deserve a safe and pleasurable driving experience on federal roads but acknowledged that poor budgetary allocations have hampered the realization of this goal.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized infrastructure development, particularly road infrastructure. However, the minister noted that limited budget provisions, driven by competing sectoral demands and the state of the economy, have posed significant challenges.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Adebiyi Olusesan Olufunso, the minister also visited the proposed site of FERMA’s Corporate Headquarters along the Abuja Airport Road.
Expressing satisfaction with FERMA’s current performance, Goronyo pledged his support to ensure the agency fulfills the presidential mandate in the road sector.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Olufunso highlighted that insufficient funding and delayed releases have contributed to setbacks in the road maintenance sector. He commended FERMA staff for their dedication, stating that the agency boasts some of the best professionals within the civil service.
Responding to the minister’s remarks, FERMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, FNSE, expressed gratitude for the minister’s support and commitment. He reaffirmed FERMA’s dedication to ensuring that federal roads remain motorable year-round.
This was contained in a press statement issued to newsmen by Maryam M. Sanusi (Mrs.), fnipr, Director of Information and Public Relations.
