By Jabiru Hassan
The Minister of State for Works and Supervising Minister of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Bar. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, inaugurated Dr. Musa Babayo as the Chairman of the FERMA Governing Board. The ceremony was held at the Conference Hall of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja.
In his address, Goronyo described Dr. Babayo as a seasoned professional and dedicated public servant whose leadership at the former Education Trust Fund (ETF) and later the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) contributed significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s educational infrastructure. He also highlighted Dr. Babayo’s humanitarian efforts and long-standing commitment to national development.
“His track record of transparency, excellence, and national service assures us that he has the capacity to lead FERMA into a new era of efficiency and performance,” the minister stated.
Goronyo charged the newly inaugurated chairman to provide effective oversight and strong policy direction to FERMA’s management team. He outlined key expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which include accelerated federal road maintenance in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, transparent resource management, and enhanced collaboration with relevant ministries, the National Assembly, state governments, and other stakeholders.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, underscored the vital importance of the road sector to Nigeria’s economic development and national security. He stressed the need for close cooperation between the Ministry of Works and FERMA to address the country’s road maintenance challenges and improve nationwide infrastructure.
Responding to his appointment, Dr. Musa Babayo expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged full commitment to delivering improved performance at FERMA. He said the agency would leverage innovations, technology, and sustainable funding to enhance road maintenance operations nationwide.
“We shall deploy every available resource, explore innovations, and invest in technology through sustainable funding,” he stated. “With these combined efforts, engineers will engineer, contractors will deliver, and Nigerian citizens will appreciate the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
Dr. Babayo reaffirmed his commitment to upholding high standards of accountability and integrity in managing FERMA’s resources. He also emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to improve funding and operational capacity.
In his vote of thanks, the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA welcomed the new chairman and noted that Dr. Babayo’s vast experience across the public and private sectors would greatly support the agency in fulfilling its mandate.
The ceremony was attended by FERMA board members, directors from the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA directors, and other distinguished guests.
