Lawmakers seek increased funding, reforms to enhance FERMA’s operation
By Chukwuma Umeorah
To address the urgent need to revitalize Nigeria’s Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Senate Committee on FERMA is seeking increased budgetary allocation amid comprehensive reforms to bolster the agency’s operational efficiency.
During a two-day joint retreat of the National Assembly, members of the FERMA board, and the agency’s management team held recently in Lagos, the Chairman Senate Committee on FERMA, Babangida Hussaini, voiced deep concerns over the current condition of Nigeria’s federal road network due to insufficient funding.
Hussaini said: “The budget of FERMA must be enriched. As I speak with you today, the total contract under construction in the Ministry of Works alone, in the road sector, is in excess of N16 trillion, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project. With a road asset of over N50 trillion over the years, you have barely 0.01 percent for maintenance. This is not sustainable. Therefore, we urge stakeholders to look deeply into this.”
He pledged the support of the lawmakers for the Agency, stating, “The 10th Senate would support any progressive initiative that will dovetail into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the exercise of its powers under Part II, Section 4(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Committee will continue its oversight function and is committed to providing FERMA with sustainable financing.
In addition to seeking increased budgetary allocation, the House Committee on FERMA said it would soon roll out a 14-point legislative agenda on road maintenance in Nigeria, expected to give the Agency more support and address longstanding challenges.
The Chairman of the Committee, Aderemi Oseni, said: “The Agenda equally involves the need to develop a more organized process where FERMA, state governments, local authorities, and other related stakeholders can work together regarding road maintenance.”
Oseni emphasized that such measures would not only improve road safety and efficiency but also stimulate economic growth by facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services, ushering in a new era of improved infrastructure.
He highlighted key areas such as implementing a performance-based financing model and strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. He stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, dedication, and achieving set objectives. He noted that with ongoing reforms and initiatives and anticipated increase in job creation, the improved roads, enhanced business activities, reduced accidents would attract foreign direct investments.
Agbasi further highlighted FERMA’s continuous improvements in technology for road construction and maintenance, aiming to enhance durability and ensure safe and convenient commutes for Nigerians.
