By Angela Atabo
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has proposed a budget of N229.999 billion for the 2026 fiscal year as part of efforts to strengthen road maintenance operations and improve connectivity nationwide.
The Minister of State for Works and Supervising Minister of FERMA, Bello Goronyo, made the proposal when presenting the 2025 Appropriation Act performance review and 2026 budget defense budget defence before the Joint Senate and House Committees on FERMA.
In a statement signed by Maryam Sanusi, Director Information and Public Relations, FERMA, Goronyo said the proposed appropriation comprised N191 billion for capital expenditure, N5 billion for personnel costs, and N33 billion for overhead expenses.
He said that although the agency had the required technical expertise to effectively discharge its mandate, inadequate funding remained its primary constraint.
“Project allocations in the 2026 proposal cut across all states of the Federation, reflecting FERMA’s commitment to equitable and strategic road maintenance nationwide.
“It is envisaged that, with your support, the implementation of the 2025 five per cent fossil fuel surcharge, as provided under Section 159 of the New Task Force Act, will include FERMA in the distribution template.
“This aligns with global best practices and will enable the Agency to more effectively fulfill its mandate,” he said.
Goronyo expressed appreciation to the Committees for their consistent oversight and support, describing the partnership between the Legislature and FERMA as critical to the Agency’s progress.
He appealed for sustained legislative backing to unlock FERMA’s full operational capacity and accelerate critical interventions on federal roads across all regions.
“With your approval, we can unlock FERMA’s full technical capacity, accelerate critical road interventions nationwide, and ensure that Nigeria’s roads become true engines for economic growth and national unity,” he added.
In his presentation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, reiterated the funding challenges confronting the Agency and highlighted key performance indicators achieved in 2025.
Agbasi listed the achievements of FERMA to include: 200.82km of roads maintained, 31,574.29 square metres of potholes patched, 1,655.89km of roads made motorable and 10,311 metres of drainage constructed.
Others included: 19 washouts reinstated, three bridges maintained and 4,013 streetlight poles installed.
He, however, said that several challenges had continued to affect optimal performance.
These, he said, included budgetary releases falling short of required targets, distressed and aged pavements, road abuse, climate change-related emergencies, particularly in flood-prone areas and security concerns in certain regions.
The managing director stressed the importance of harmonising the national budget cycle with procurement processes to ensure that road projects were executed during the dry season, thereby enhancing timely delivery and cost-effectiveness.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, Sen. Sahabi Ya’u, the Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA, Hon. Aderemi Oseni and other members of the committee, commended the agency for its visible efforts in maintaining federal roads across the country.
Ya’u encouraged the agency to sustain its performance and strive for greater efficiency in response to feedback and appraisals from members of the National Assembly.
While acknowledging the need for increased funding, Oseni urged FERMA to further strengthen its project delivery standards and ensure value for money. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
