By Jabiru Hassan
The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., has praised the determination and resilience of the management and staff of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in carrying out their responsibilities. He made this statement on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, while addressing the agency’s staff in Lafia, the headquarters of the North Central Zone, during a one-day familiarization visit and inspection of ongoing works on the Keffi-Gitata-Shendam/Plateau State Border road in Nasarawa State.
Goronyo acknowledged the resourcefulness of FERMA personnel in maintaining Nigeria’s roads despite limited annual budgetary allocations. He noted that the agency is under increasing pressure from various quarters to sustain road maintenance efforts despite scarce resources.
Citing the Lokoja-Abuja Dual Carriageway as an example, the minister highlighted how certain sections of the road are in poor condition, extending travel time from 1 hour 30 minutes to 4 hours. In contrast, he described his journey from Abuja to Lafia as smooth and enjoyable due to the good road conditions.
“This is hope being renewed, and everybody must be on their toes,” Goronyo stated. “The President is determined to move the nation forward, and we must support him in actualizing his vision and mission.”
The minister emphasized the Ministry of Works’ commitment to resolving challenges faced by FERMA staff. He urged them to educate the public against parking and abandoning vehicles, especially trucks, on the roads. He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to support the ministry’s efforts in safeguarding federal highways.
Additionally, he assured FERMA staff that their welfare concerns were being addressed by the Managing Director/CEO, urging them to reciprocate by ensuring the agency continues to deliver on its mandate.
Goronyo commended FERMA for its dedication and patriotism in maintaining Nigerian roads despite funding and security challenges in some regions. He stressed that the government alone cannot maintain all roads due to their deteriorating conditions and called for a collective effort to ensure safer and more motorable highways.
He also urged road users and local communities to protect road infrastructure by refraining from digging holes or creating unauthorized demarcations. He reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is committed to ensuring that all Nigerian roads are in good condition to support economic growth and national development.
Furthermore, the minister reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to enhance road maintenance and urged all stakeholders to support the administration’s initiatives for safer and more durable roads nationwide.
FERMA CEO Highlights Progress and Future Plans
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, Ph.D., expressed satisfaction with the progress of rehabilitation projects in Nasarawa State. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to delivering high-quality roads and improving travel experiences in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Agbasi also emphasized the importance of training and retraining field workers to equip them with modern construction techniques. Despite security challenges in the North Central zone, he encouraged continued dedication to road maintenance efforts.
He noted that FERMA is doing its best despite inadequate funding and announced that the agency would soon receive brand-new equipment, while grounded machinery would be repaired and put back into use.
Challenges in the North Central Zone
In his opening remarks, the Zonal Head of North Central II, Engr. Halilu Umama, highlighted the region’s strategic importance as a key link between Northern and Southern Nigeria. He stated that many projects in the zone have been executed through direct labor from 2022 to 2024.
Umama also outlined major challenges, including high costs of construction materials, equipment rental, low budgetary allocations, and road abuses such as illegal speed breakers and encroachments on federal highways.
Appreciation for Road Maintenance Efforts
In his closing remarks, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer for Nasarawa State, Engr. Aliu Muhammad, expressed gratitude for the progress achieved in the past seven months. He commended the leadership of the Ministry and FERMA for their commitment to improving road infrastructure and ensuring better conditions for field workers.
