Abuja: The Joint Committee of the National Assembly on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has praised the agency for its efficient road maintenance across the nation. During the agency’s budget defense for 2025 and the presentation of its 2026 proposal before the Senate and House of Representatives joint committee, members emphasized the need for increased funding to sustain these operations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the commendation was particularly highlighted by Sahabi Ya’u, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA. Ya’u underscored the crucial role of road infrastructure in Nigeria’s economic development, noting that well-maintained road networks are vital for connecting rural agricultural areas with urban markets, thereby stabilizing the economy and controlling food inflation. He described road maintenance as a significant investment in the nation’s security, employment, and economic stability.
Aremi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA, also praised the agency for maintaining high standards during oversight visits. He assured FERMA of ongoing collaboration to secure improved funding and enhance the maintenance of federal roads.
During the budget proposal presentation, Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, revealed a proposed budget of N229.99 billion for 2026. This includes N191.47 billion for capital expenditure, with a 70% rollover of ongoing 2025 projects into the next fiscal year. The projects encompass 291 road projects and 75 non-road projects, including streetlights, distributed across all states to ensure equitable development.
Goronyo noted that personnel costs are projected at N5.06 billion, with overhead expenditures at N33.47 billion. He identified inadequate funding as FERMA’s main challenge, despite the agency’s technical capability. The minister also emphasized the need for synchronized budget cycles and procurement processes to optimize project delivery during the dry season.
He urged lawmakers to provide sustained legislative support to enhance FERMA’s operational capacity. Goronyo also mentioned changes in the tax structure, including the replacement of a user charge with a fossil fuel surcharge, with optimism for FERMA’s inclusion in the revenue distribution under the 2025 National Tax Act.