The Senate Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) today screened the newly nominated Board Chairman of FERMA, Dr. Musa Babayo, commending the President for his choice and expressing confidence in the nominee’s ability to reposition the agency to meet Nigeria’s urgent road infrastructure needs.
During the screening at the National Assembly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Sahabi Ya’u underscored the urgent need for focused and visionary leadership at the agency, especially as the nation grapples with a deteriorating road network requiring immediate and sustained attention.
While Senator Babangida Hussaini had this to say “The roads we are managing today were constructed between 1970 and 1974. With the right leadership and adequate funding, FERMA has the potential to drastically reduce the cost of constructing new roads by maintaining and rehabilitating existing infrastructure,” the former Committee Chairman stated.
The Committee unanimously applauded Dr. Babayo, describing him as a man of proven integrity, wide national exposure, and deep understanding of the Nigerian landscape. They noted that he is overqualified for the role, having built a remarkable career as a banker, politician, businessman, administrator, and former head of TETFund.
In his remarks, Dr. Musa Babayo expressed his gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in him, and to the Senate for their support. He presented a bold and forward-looking vision for FERMA, anchored on innovation, sustainable funding, and strategic collaborations.
“To make our roads safe, motorable, and economically impactful, we must engage critical stakeholders across federal, state, and private sectors. FERMA will adopt innovative technologies, explore capital markets, and prioritize key economic corridors in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” Dr. Babayo said.
He emphasized the need to move from a reactive to a proactive road maintenance strategy, highlighting the importance of developing a new strategic direction from day one. He pledged to lead the agency with diligence, transparency, and accountability.
Dr. Babayo also underscored the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in expanding and maintaining the federal road network, stressing that unlocking such collaborations would be essential to bridging the country’s infrastructure gap.
“The success of FERMA will depend on sustainable funding, innovation, and strong institutional partnerships. With your support, I am confident we can deliver measurable progress and motorable milestones that Nigerians will be proud of,” he concluded.
The Committee assured Dr. Musa Babayo of its full support and expressed confidence that under his leadership, FERMA will fulfill its mandate and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
Dr Musa Babayo’s impressive resume and response, made the Senators to ask him to take a bow.
Signed
Maryam M. Sanusi (Mrs.) fnipr
Director (Information/Public Relations)
