The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq has complimented the determination and resilience of the management and staff of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in the discharge of their responsibilities. He stated this on Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, while addressing staff of the Agency in Lafia, headquarters of the North Central Zone, during a one-day familiarisation visit and inspection of ongoing works on the Keffi-Gitata-Shendam/Plateau State Border road in Nasarawa State.
Goronyo acknowledged the resourcefulness of the FERMA’s personnel in fixing Nigeria’s roads despite the inadequacy of annual budgetary allocations. He disclosed that pressures are being mounted on the Agency now, more than ever, from various quarters to maintain the roads despite the mergre resources.
Goronyo cited as an example the Lokoja – Abuja Dual Carriageway, sections of which are in bad shape, prolonging travel time from 1 hour 30 minutes to 4 hours.
In contrast, the Minister revealed that his journey from Abuja to Lafia was smooth, as well as joyful due to the good road. He said “This is hope being renewed and everybody must be on their toes. The President is determined to move the nation forward and we must support him to actualise his vision and mission.”
The Minister, who emphasised the determination of the Ministry of Works to resolve all the challenges being faced by the staff, stressed that they should ensure they sensitize the public against packing and abandoning vehicles, especially trucks on the roads. He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to support the Ministry’s efforts by safeguarding Federal roads across the country.
He informed them that the Managing Director/CEO is addressing issues related to their welfare, while urging them to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that the Agency continues to deliver on its mandate.
The Minister added that the stakeholders across the country have been commending the Agency for their dedication and patriotism in maintaining Nigerian roads despite challenges of funding and security in some parts of the country. He noted that the Government alone cannot maintain all the roads due to the high level of deterioration, calling for a collective effort to ensure safer and motorable highways.
Goronyo urged the road users, as well as benefiting communities to protect the infrastructure by not digging holes or creating demarcations. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinibu, GCFR is ready and determined to ensure that all Nigerian roads are in good conditions for improved economy and assets.
The Minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to enhance road maintenance and urged all stakeholders to support the administration’s initiatives aimed at achieving safe and durable roads, nationwide.
Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO, FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasiuu, Ph.d expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the rehabilitation projects in Nasarawa State. He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to delivering high-quality roads and enhancing travel experience, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Engr. Agbasi also guaranteed field workers training and retraining to equip them with 21st-century construction trends.
He added that despite issues of insecurity in the North Central zone, they should not relent in their collective efforts to maintain Nigerian roads.
He stated that FERMA is doing its best despite inadequate funding, stressing that it will soon take delivery of brand-new equipment, while the grounded ones would be repaired and put into use.
Also, in his opening remarks, the Zonal Head of North Central II, covering Benue, Plateau, Taraba and Nasarawa States, Engr Halilu Umama highlighted the strategic importance of the region as a vital link between Northern and Southern Nigeria. He noted that many projects in the zone are being executed through direct labour between 2022 to 2024 and he outlined major challenges including the high costs of construction materials, equipment rental, low budgetary allocations, and road abuses such as the erection of illegal speed breakers and encroachments on Federal highways.
In his Closing Remarks, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer for Nasarawa State, Engr. Aliu Muhammad voiced gratitude for the progress made in the past seven (7) months. He commended the leadership of the Ministry and that of FERMA for their commitment to improving road infrastructure and ensuring better conditions for field workers.
Signed
Mohammed A Ahmed,
Director, Press and Public Relations.
